Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2020 32 T R A D E S H O W N E W S E verything seems different this year. In every community around the globe, our lifestyles are being put to the test, called into question and challenged to adapt in the face of the pandemic. The interiors sector is one area of the economy that is used to responding to changes in consumer behavior. "It's important that our ability to adapt should be backed up by a versatile trade fair layout. Trade fairs have a vital role to play, through their function as marketplaces and catalysts – particularly in the current situation," says Matthias Pollmann, vice president trade fair management, whose responsibilities include the topic areas of furniture, interior decoration and design at Koelnmesse. "A trade fair like the Interior Business Event, imm cologne, is always evolving. In recent years, it has been continuously adapted to market requirements that have changed ever more rapidly. In our strategic planning we've already anticipated much of what will now be required. This will now start to pay off." Although nobody could have reckoned with events moving so quickly, Pollmann believes the trade fair is in a strong position: "We have a vision for imm cologne that will raise its role as a source of inspiration and a platform for innovation to a new level – and we now want to pursue this vision with a clear focus and see 2021 as the year it will be put into practice. I think our timing is spot-on with the challenges facing the industry." NEW PERSPECTIVES ON THE FUTURE OF HOME LIVING What does it mean for the way we live, when intensive use of digital media, the overlapping of our professional and private lives and the desire for a safe haven and a place to experience nature all come together within our comfort zones? In the future, the quality of our living environments will not only be defined by the way the rooms are laid out and furnished, but also by the transitions between indoors and outdoors. Architecture and interior design are experimenting with open facades, loft-like concepts and items of furniture that take on space-management functions. Wi-Fi and connectivity are just as much a part of modern living as comfortably appointed balconies or gardens, home offices and spaces designed for socializing. Trends like these are also changing the trade fair landscape. At the Interior Business Event, imm cologne, for instance, a purpose-built hall will make room for the sector's growing connectivity. "As a trade fair that embraces all aspects of interior design, we're experiencing growing interest in the home as a common interface even for industries that are traditionally far removed from the home-living sector," says Matthias Pollmann. With a view to the economic challenges in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Pollmann explains: "We want to reflect the entire world of home furnishings, and we have to take a proactive approach to addressing current developments in order to support our exhibitors as they start a new chapter. After all, trends aren't just about new colors – they're about business." WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY TRENDS THAT WILL PLAY A ROLE IN THIS CHANGING WORLD? 1. The home as a hub The infrastructure inside (think connectivity) and outside our homes is becoming ever more important. Our digitally managed energy supplies are being complemented by autonomous units like pellet heating and solar energy – important issues for smart homes. However, the increasing role of logistics in domestic arrangements will also call for a high degree of compatibility when it comes to service rooms and docking stations in apartment buildings and private houses. Above all, though, the home office is set to become a permanent feature of the way many homes are laid out. With video calling and videoconferencing for business, the demands on our domestic surroundings in terms of design are also growing. Who wants to be forever exhibiting their bedroom or children playing in the background when they're on a call with colleagues? Not only will home offices have to satisfy ergonomic requirements, they will also need to meet IMM COLOGNE: THE PLATFORM THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE, IDEAS AND PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS New role for the home as a filter between the indoors and outdoors

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