Kassel University of Art: Captivating designs under the sign of ecstasy”!

Kassel University of Art: Captivating designs under the sign of ecstasy”!

From July 24th to 27th, 2025 the Kassel Art University for this year's tour. The product design course presented innovative works that focused on the topic of “ecstasy”. This theme should not only inspire, but also stimulate exploration of the potential of ecstatic states in relation to debates about fear.

Ayzit Bostan, who holds a professorship for design of textile products, was in charge of the course. Under her guidance, numerous creative designs were created based on furniture from the traditional Thonet company. Thonet is known for its bentwood and tubular steel furniture, which was an important source of inspiration for the students.

Diverse design results

The resulting objects included an extraordinary swing with a cane seat and an oversized motor skills loop, which was designed as an interpretation of the iconic bentwood chair 209. Other notable works included a wall shelf for organized item storage, an addition to the B 97 side table with a leather magazine pocket, and a three-legged stool design covered in leather.

A special lamp that stages light with Viennese weave, as well as creative interpretations with long fabric trains and stylized cane mesh made of milled, shiny metal, rounded off the presentation. The Thonet product designers Jonas Wansing and Phillip Berkemeyer, who supported the students, also had particular responsibility. In addition, Dipl.-Des. Sandra Spoo actively involved in meetings, while technical support was provided by Dipl.-Des. Darius Zalzadeh was provided.

Students in focus

Among the students involved were Helena Bals, Madlen Beckmann, Tim Felix, Laura Hösel, Felix Leiffer, Nuo Sun, Elisa Süvern and Silas Vogler. Her works reflect the current understanding of design and its role in everyday life. The results of the course emphasize that design is omnipresent and deeply anchored in the realities of people's lives, as well as by the University of Kassel is determined.

Studying product design at the Kassel University of Art combines creative inspiration with technical knowledge. Students learn to turn their ideas into prototypes while having access to a variety of workshops and digital tools. This comprehensive training enables you to develop your individual ideas step by step.

The job profile of designers has become significantly more professional in recent years and has therefore become more complex. Design is no longer just the design of everyday things; it is increasingly understood as a cultural technique. Future designers will need a wide range of skills to meet the challenges of an ever-changing market.

The 2025 tour in Kassel not only represents a platform for creative development, but also an important contribution to daily design and the understanding of design in today's world.