In January 1969 the Spiegel Publishing Company and Spiegel Editorial Staff entered in a new Hamburg Company Headquarters (the 3rd in its history). Located in the old town of Hamburg Spiegel Publishing House was one of Verner Panton’s most unique interior creations and one of the few that continue to exist today. Panton is considered one of Denmark’s most influential 20th-century furniture and interior designers. All the designs of this interior were his own; the colour scheme, lamps, textiles, wall claddings – only the furniture had to be imported from Knoll International. At that time Spiegel manager Hans Detlev Becker gave the order to fill the cold cover inside with warmth.
Unfortunately, the swimming pool for the employees in the basement (above) was completely destroyed in a fire and redesigned in the 1990’s. Swimming here would have been a psychedelic experience.
Exterior. The “decorative extravaganzas” as an amalgamation of geometry, color, murals, glass and glimmering light.
Above the hallway. The specially designed mirror lighting used on walls and ceilings was of major importance.
Above the work area.
Above the conference room – chairs by Eero Saarinen.
Above the waiting room.
Above and below the Spiegel canteen – wire chairs by Harry Bertoia.
The space resembled more like an avant-garde restaurant than a company canteen.
Before their renovation in summer, 1998 canteen and snack bar were put under conservation of monuments and historic buildings.
Above and below the snack bar.
Verner Panton (13 Feb 1926 – 5 Sept 1998) was a modest man who was crazy about design and has influenced many of today’s designers. Panton himself once said: “The main purpose of my work is to provoke people into using their imagination and make their surroundings more exciting.” He spent little time in Denmark and many most of his celebrated works were realised abroad. He broke from the craft-based traditions of Scandinavian furniture-making and experimented with new materials and concept.
http://www.verner-panton.com/spaces/archive/phase/309/
