Noises for Ritual Architecture – Dornbracht Culture Projects
Soundscapes – Transformation and Reflection of Ritual Architectures

February 2008
Dornbracht, the leading manufacturer of high quality designer fittings and accessories for bathroom and kitchen is on show at Fuorisalone from 16 – 21. 04. 2008 in Milan at Ex Ansaldo.
As one of its Culture Projects, Dornbracht is unveiling the first collection of sounds for ritual architecture in the bathroom. With ritual architecture, Dornbracht is opening up the way to a new mindset: It conceives of people as ‘bathroom dwellers’ – and not just as ‘bathroom users’. This creates a new function for the bathroom – as a habitat people can consciously experience. It fosters qualities that go far beyond the purely physical satisfaction of needs – qualities that transcend mere washing. These demands are reflected in bathroom architecture, design and materials. The bathroom thus creates an opportunity to define a new, immaterial approach to luxury. The luxury of a single, daily retreat where body, spirit, and soul can be rediscovered.

The ‘Noises for Ritual Architecture’ soundscapes reflect the relationship between the space, the materiality and the movement within the MEM, TARA LOGIC and ELEMENTAL SPA, the lead bathrooms created for certain product themes. 2003 MEM – The ritualised ego-bath, oriented entirely around contemplation. 2006 Tara.Logic – the next step from the Private Spa to the Active Spa and 2007 ELEMENTAL SPA– a bathroom that places prime focus on water, with fittings that evoke the grace of springs, marking the watering places within the room. They are the origin of the architecture. The bathroom as a sanctuary for the soul.

NOISES FOR RITUAL ARCHITECTURE was instigated by Mike Meiré. The sound collages of Cologne composer Carlo Peters represent the relationship between space, materiality and movement in ritual architecture and were produced by NEO NOTO, Cologne. Computer-generated animation by Jens-Oliver Gasde completes the production in the SoundSpa. ‘Noises for Ritual Architecture’ is available exclusively through the iTunes Store.

As a current contribution to the Dornbracht Edges, Noises for Ritual Architecture is the continuation of a series that collects projects at the interface of architecture, design and art. The Edges are platforms, especially for designers and architects, who depict their visions and utopias.

Architecture and communication concept: Mike Meiré, Meiré und Meiré
Sound collages: Carlo Peters
Computer Animation: Jens-Oliver Gasde

Ex Ansaldo
Via Bergognone, 34 – Via Tortona, 54
Milano

16 - 21 April 2008 10.00 am– 10.00 pm
Press Preview: 15 April 2008 03.00 pm – 07.00 pm



www.dornbracht.com