How we live.

What do you drive? What does the car you drive say about you? If I could drive anything I would roll through the hills in an expertly engineered vintage beauty, with clean lines and the soft top down, feeling perfectly myself, the wind in my hair and the world in the palm of my hand. My car would say that I made it; that I created and own this life; that I understand and appreciate style and substance; that I know quality.

In a deep sense, what you surround yourself with is a reflection of you; who you are and how you live. There is a sacredness of individuality in great design, we experience its reflections within our lives and our home. It is no secret that our surroundings play a significant role in promoting our daily inspirations.

It's this philosophy that inspires Norbert Wangen. His K12 Kitchen designed for BOFFI, Italy's oldest kitchen manufacturer epitomizes it. It represents the best of both  engineering and design. Its sleek, modern and minimal -- clean. Yet it is equipped with a range of technical marvels, including a mechanized opening system in the technical zone of the kitchen which reveals the working areas only when in use. 

True design is always in the details and, although sculpturally minimalistic, Wangen’s designs have a unique playful streak which is classic, utilitarian and beautiful. One might see the same features in this minimalist house. 

It makes sense that we see similarites between such contemporary architecture and Wangen's designs. By training, he is an Architect. He also trained as a carpenter, sculptor, studied Philosophy and did set design for theaters. It was at Boffi, which he joined in 2003, that his wide range of influences came together, providing solutions which are a synthesis of all these aspects. During an interview with WALLPAPER magazine when asked how BOFFI came into the equation he responded 'Well as they say in Britian, if you can't beat them join them.'

Boffi put Wangen's K2 mono block into production in 2004. For it, he was awarded the best domestic design by WALLPAPER magazine and in 2005 he was awarded Product Designer of the year. This kitchen enhances the space in which it exists, with a retractable top concealing the work space when closed and providing a table top when open. The K2 is an efficient and adaptable kitchen that works both functionally and aesthetically. Sticking with the car metaphor, here is a similarly ingenious use of a hidden space and retractable top.

German born Wangen noted that Italians are incredibly sensitive to things like proportion and materials, color and quality while German’s tend to be really rational with emphasis on the technical side. He blends these two seamlessly,using his German sense of engineering and utility with Boffi's Italian style and aesthetics, stirring up the design world ever since.

Boffi put Wangen's K2 mono block into production in 2004. For it, he was awarded the best domestic design by WALLPAPER magazine and in 2005 he was awarded Product Designer of the year. This kitchen enhances the space in which it exists, with a retractable top concealing the work space when closed and providing a table top when open. The K2 is an efficient and adaptable kitchen that works both functionally and aesthetically. Sticking with the car metaphor, here is a similarly ingenious use of a hidden space and retractable top.

Boffi put Wangen's K2 mono block into production in 2004. For it, he was awarded the best domestic design by WALLPAPER magazine and in 2005 he was awarded Product Designer of the year. This kitchen enhances the space in which it exists, with a retractable top concealing the work space when closed and providing a table top when open. The K2 is an efficient and adaptable kitchen that works both functionally and aesthetically. Sticking with the car metaphor, here is a similarly ingenious use of a hidden space and retractable top.

In 2007, Norbert Wangen's K14 was launched. Characterized by the beveled cut on the worktop and cabinetry doors, enabling a handle-less opening. It was developed for a larger space broadening it's outreach.

Like the K14, the Gama Issa house has a seamless relationship with its surroundings.

When we surround ourselves with pretty things, we feel alive inside. It gives us purpose--like a great love affair. Boffi is at the forefront of understanding this relationship which is why they collaborate and celebrate their partnerships, always leading and setting new standards of design style and excellence.