Installation Circles at imm cologne 2024: Studio Dessí "Welcome to Stay"

Thonet's roots lie in the coffee houses of the 19th century: the company's success story began where people came together to socialise. Today, as then, Thonet furniture can be found wherever people meet, talk to each other, pause for a moment or work on the go. In many places, Thonet products welcome people to linger.

On the occasion of imm cologne 2024, Vienna-based designer Marco Dessí is creating a special meeting place in the Cologne exhibition halls with his installation "Welcome to Stay" – including his upholstered chairs 520 for Thonet – where business, inspiration and networking come together. "Welcome to Stay" is part of the imm cologne's Circles format, which presents various themed installations by renowned design studios.

The temporary space created by STUDIO DESSí looks like a pavilion that magically attracts visitors and addresses the theme of hospitality. Under a luminous ring structure, people come together on comfortable furniture, exchange ideas and process what they have seen in the exhibition halls. This creates a stage whose backdrop is not only intended to create a beautiful illusion of hospitality, but actually makes it a live experience. A special focus is placed on the selected furnishings: Even after imm cologne 2024 has ended, the furniture will still be around for a long time thanks to its perfect manufacturing quality and will ensure a high level of hospitality in other spatial situations.

The 520 upholstered chair from Thonet invites you to linger with its exceptional seating comfort and superior elegance. The seating furniture draws direct references to traditional bentwood armchairs from Thonet. In his design, Marco Dessí has replaced the open spaces between the bentwood elements with comfortable upholstery. The simple, yet intelligent design allows different versions to be created, with and without armrests.