Lucia Hornfischer (d)

User-independent air exchange via the window frames

The high pollution levels in interior spaces are attributed to the little air exchange that occurs in today’s thick building shells. The FRM 60 window frame module enables user-independent air exchange, directly via the window frames. In so doing, support for both light entry and ventilation is provided by the geometry of the four sides of the sloping frame module. Through the minimal displacement of the inner frame, the stacking of two frames allows a circumferential ventilation duct to come into being, which ensures good ventilation behaviour. The window frame module is scalable and can be extended with further modules to form a breathing facade.

The food processor KM3, which is still a prime example of long-lasting design, and the Sixtant, which is obtained as the archetype for an electric shaver, are well known. However, Gerd A. Mueller, the designer behind these objects, remains unknown. Mueller’s contribution to design is revealed by his groundbreaking work for Braun, Lamy, Wega etc. In the 1950/60s, he developed a new and persistent design language for all his clients. Hence, this thesis wants to illustrate to what extent Mueller’s design attitude and design process have been contributing to development of 20th century industrial design in Germany. As Mueller’s Work remains mostly unknown, further research is needed. To accomplish a solid basis for further research on Gerd A. Mueller’s contribution to german industrial design, several expert interviews had been carried out. Besides, already existing sources, such as archival material, were analyzed. This thesis, therefore, makes a relevant and important contribution to the field of design history.