The new public library in Stuttgart, Germany is one of the biggest public libraries in the world and sets important standards in Stuttgart concerning cultural aspects and the availability of knowledge and education as a social element.

Totems has completed the entire interior of the house designed by the Korean architect Eun Yuong Yi. During a two-year process dealing with these concepts, the medial presentation was analyzed, examined and finally realized. The complex challenge and the aim was to create an atmosphere of living amidst different forms of media- thus realizing a special quality of atmosphere in each and every zone and level of this building. The aim was not to just gather and collect different forms of media, but to actually live amidst them.

The interior design resembles the plain, geometric and well-structured concept of the outer appearance. Just like the books and all other media, terminals for visitors are integrated into the shelves that dominate each room. The range of books and other media is manifold: all forms of print products, data media, digital files, sheets of music, games, pictures and various collections. Highlights are special pieces of furniture. There are rooms for private as well as group studying and even areas to communicate with each other.

Already in the foyer you find elements of design that will reappear on all the other seven levels of that building. Examples are: the “Studiolo” as a room to actually reflect intensively on different concepts; service- facilities such as the information booth, self-service checkout devices, computer labs and a control system. 
Only in the basement you will find the “Skriptorium”- a modern reminiscence of the ancestor of today’s librarianship.

The special ambiance of the funnel-shaped reading room comes from shelves that are flush-mounted- thus creating a “monumental room of books”. The plain and simple furnishing adds to this effect. The shelving system was exclusively developed for this library. The system also includes facilities for the OPAC-search, for self-service checkout devices and to sit down and rest. In between the shelves you will find individual and group workstations as well as seating areas and the “Studioli”.

There are different media presentations on each level which function as showcases for visitors. A special focus was put on the furnishings of the levels of music, children and art. A “music staircase” invites you to listen to music and a sound studio gives you the opportunity to browse and compose. In order to easily change between temporary exhibitions, art is shown in a flexible room with special walls. The arrangement of the children’s library strengthens the creative influence.

The base colour of all furnishing elements corresponds exactly to the light-grey tone of all the other architectural and technical surfaces of the building. Cushioned areas are held in the CI-colour blue. A lively green dominates the children’s level. Markers on the floor are coding spaces for shelves. Separators in the shelves give orientation and create special subject areas. Cubes make the orientation within the shelve much more easy. Digital information-steles are there for orientation and information. Visitors can find different kinds of media by following these steles. On top of that they also hint at the various activities and events of the library.

Menerga is a German manufacturer of climate systems. The stand concept for the ISH 2011 presented key themes of the company: sustainability and innovation. The title of the stand - The Climate Zone. The stand shows the human implementation of technology by presenting customers' different situations.

The stand design was very outspoken and direct, industrial, functional - a mere stacking of crating with clear communication and graphics printed directly onto the hall flooring. The resulting atmosphere was one with maximum openness and an exciting active exchanging going on.

Die "FMX Conference on Animation, Effects, Games and Interactive Media" ist die größte und wichtigste Veranstaltung zum Thema Computer-generierte Bilder in Europa. Von 2007 bis 2010 gestaltete Totems den 300-Seiten-starken Veranstaltungskatalog mit detaillierten Informationen zur Konferenz, den Rednern und Veranstaltungen. Als die FMX im Jahre 2011 ihre Online-Präsenz ausbaute, wurde der Katalog von einem kompakten Programm-Guide ersetzt, der als perfekte Ergänzung zum Online-Angebot fungierte.

The concept Totems has developed for Wonion is one of warmth, reliability, Dutch ‘coziness’ and one of an ‘instant and modern classic’ character. The overall feeling when entering the shop is being ‘at home’. With the home used as an iconic value, finding it’s place in the design throughout the interior. The total area is 1228 sqm, divided into 6 areas with different functions, like product communication, product display, meeting spaces and workplaces. The concept is new, fresh and instantly recognisable.

Das Konzept, das Totems für Wonion entwickelt hat, besticht durch Wärme, Verlässlichkeit und holländische Gemütlichkeit. Es lässt sofort den Eindruck klassischer Modernität entstehen. Betritt man das Geschäft fühlt man sich sofort ”zu Hause”. Das ”Zuhause” als Grundwert findet Ausdruck in der Gestaltung des ganzen Interieurs. Die gesamte Fläche beträgt 1228 qm und wurde in 6 Bereiche mit unterschiedlichen Funktionen unterteilt – Produktkommunikation, Produktausstellung, Besprechungsbereiche und Arbeitsplätze.

An inspiring mix of tradition and innovation to be explored! SKS metaplast GmbH & Co. KG is a manufacturer of high quality pumps and mudguards, a specialist for bike parts ”Made in Germany“, decided to create a communication- and training-centre at their headquarter in Sundern, Germany.  A part of their former production on-site, with around 800 sq.m, was converted to a multifunctional showroom, the Orange World. It became a platform to present their products, a place for internal communication (e.g. meetings and trainings) but also a place to invite guests, especially clients and dealers.

Totems is responsible for the concept, design, project management and the realisation on-site, we created an atmospherically space with different functions. A central spatial form is the ideal place to present products and also the history of the company, the brand SKS. Around that, different distinctive rooms were designed: a lounge for informal meetings, training-room, meeting-room, bike shop and an area where OEM-parts are shown.

The former production hall kept his industrial character with rough concrete walls, old steel piles and concrete flooring. New elements, like mobile textile walls, new synthetic materials, like acrylic displays, white lacquered surfaces are in contrast to the old structure. A very light and exciting place to meet appeared.

 

Thé Tjong- Khing: Van Strip tot Sprookje
Totems has designed an interactive family exhibition for Letterkundigmuseum in the Netherlands. The exhibition is designed especially for children between 3 to 13 years old. The exhibition is a great discovery for children, with colourful exhibits and interactive games to explore the world of children’s book illustrator Thé Tjong-Khing.