GERMANY - The next interzum, the international supplier fair for the furniture industry that will take place from May 5-8, 2015 in Cologne will be divided into three sections: Function & Components, Textile & Machinery and Materials & Nature.

This structure efficiently brings all the actors from the corresponding value chains together, while maintaining the overview. Complementing these sections are event areas which thematically extend the national and international exhibitors' product displays: like the Materials & Nature piazza, for instance, which highlights the diversity of design options with surfaces, structural properties, veneers and natural materials.

The exhibits at the Materials & Nature piazza in Hall 6 present a comprehensive overview of everything new, innovative and trailblazing in the area of materials.

"The motto of the Materials & Nature piazza in Hall 6 this year is 'Passion on Demand'", says Matthias Pollmann, interzum Project Manager. "This motto is inspired by three central ideas. First - the growing demand for sustainable products in furniture design and interior design to create intelligent solutions for tomorrow. Secondly - the realization of emotionally communicative features and elements which contribute significantly to the atmosphere of a room and thereby to a feeling of well-being. And the third - perhaps most important point - is the trend toward individualization as a strong driver for new developments by exhibitors where we are frequently seeing clients' wishes being implemented and their design desires fulfilled."

Designed by Katrin de Louw of design agency Neelsen Designmanagement, the Materials & Nature piazza is divided into four themed worlds. This is to facilitate an overview of the products, structure the contents and profile competencies. The first of the four worlds is "Spirit of Colours 2016 - 2020", which is entirely fitting because materials suppliers and surface manufacturers are real trend setters and develop in a future-orientated manner. Colour trends, new designs from pastel to neon to metallic are to be found here alongside striking digital prints. "Emotions of Surfaces" represents new developments in decorations and new haptic structures in plastic - the perfect interplay of the visual and the haptic in a durable surface. "Heartbeat of Nature" highlights the uniqueness and beauty of nature. Here, visitors will find real wood with documentation of its history and origin as well as sustainable products and recycled materials. The story behind the product is often of importance too. In the "Technical Visions" world, the exhibitors' innovative drive is showcased. The spectrum ranges from nanotechnologies to light construction, acoustics, anti-bacterial properties, lighting and technology either as visions of the future or as prototypes seeking its marketability.