March 1, 2010 Motzener Straße 28

12277 Berlin, DE
Tel: +49.30.710 99 39-0
Fax: +49.30.710 99 39-9
http://bau-art.net

F O R I M M E D I A T E R E L E A S E

Aerodynamically designed origami describes new German workstation system:

Bau+Art/Berlin introduces the aeronautically

inspired, KINZO AIR modular office system
to North America
− “It's like reaching into the future and grabbing a dream” - Stefan Werner

− Extensive work habit studies inspire radical forward thinking office design

− Direct from Berlin: Art + Science = streamlined workplace productivity

Take the sensibilities of James Cameron's Avatar, Frank Gehry's Bilbao Museum and
Hans Solo at warp speed, fold them together, and you begin to envision the aesthetics,
atmosphere and efficiency of the new KINZO AIR office system.

Avatar meets Bladerunner in the new KINZO AIR office design.

 CONCEPT / D E S I G N

With chiseled lines, free-floating surfaces and inconspicuous cable management, the
KINZO AIR environment takes the clutter of the average office and streamlines
mechanics and flow to get more work done with less of it seen.

KINZO AIR's exclusive joint system allows desktops to miraculously 'float' in space
whilst still carrying the weight of an intuitive working world.

Self closing drawers, modularly compatible pieces and even a form fitting recycling bin
transform a static workspace into a dynamic, forward thinking, platform for cutting edge
ideas and insightful initiatives.

D E S I G N TEAM

Designed by internationally renowned architectural firm, KINZO, the KINZO AIR

system follows a design philosophy pioneered by partners, Karim El-Ishmari (34), Chris
Middleton (33) and Martin Jacobs (35) that involves extensive work habit study to
produce designs that are both ergonomically efficient and aesthetically pleasing..

KINZO Architecture maintains offices in Berlin, Chicago and Seoul and was recently
heralded by the Chicago Tribune for it's work on Chicago's 2009 'Club of the Year' the
Lumen Lounge in Chicago's west end.

BACKGROUND

In preparation for KINZO AIR's international release, the team at KINZO studied the
work habits of Germany's largest tabloid newspaper, BILD, in a project that saw
thousands of employees relocated from Hamburg to Berlin in a dramatic refitting of
publisher Axel Springer's editorial complex. BILD is Germany's leading paper with 3
million + copies daily and Europe's largest newspaper.

Conventions from existing “off the rack” systems were discarded in creating an
environment that caters to not only the digital aspects of today's work environment but
the collaborative structure of modern management systems.

“Flat, horizontal structures have replaced pyramidal top down management

structures and KINZO AIR exemplifies that shift”, stated Karim El-Ishmari, KINZO's
Co-Creative Director.

“We took the 'form follows function' approach and these are the forms that revealed
themselves through the actual digital nature of the work being done”, he continued.
 AWARDS

Beginning with the prestigious Red Dot Award for design in March of 2008, the KINZO
AIR System went on to acquire a nomination for the German National Design Prize
(Designpreis), Germany's highest design award in the same year.

Designpreis differs from many awards in that it is not possible to apply for the
designation but rather works off accolades from peers in the industry which allows a
creation to matriculate to a level far above the designer's aspirations.

“You can't aim for a Designpreis nomination”, says Stephan Werner, Director of
Bau+Art, “It must aim for you”.

Young but never brash, stylish but never overbearing, KINZO AIR continues to impress
critics and take its place in the pantheon of design that inspires by doing even a day
labourer's job, with the elegance of a master.

BAU+ART - EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE

Representing KINZO AIR exclusively worldwide, as well as being the exclusive

manufacturer of KINZO AIR concepts, bau+art is headquartered in Berlin, Germany
yet easily accessed worldwide through our frequent presence in North America and other
serviced markets.

Founded in 1986 by Stefan Werner, bau+art has positioned itself today as an essential
partner in the field of complete furnishing, business furnishing, exhibition construction
and private living.

bau+art combines traditional craftsmanship with modern production technology. Our

services comprise interior design consulting and the assembling of individual designs.
Design, production and distribution of the final product are controlled in-house.

After moving to its new production plant in 2002 on a total of 1.000 square meters
bau+art has greatly expanded its own planning department.

The extended services offered now include complete furnishing and lighting design
besides premium solutions for both living and working areas. Highest standards of
quality are achieved by design competence combined with planning and technical
expertise.
The design and development of the modular furniture OZORI and office furniture
KINZO AIR are the most recent milestones in the continued evolution and expansion of
bau+art’s portfolio of services.

The high potential of bau+art as a manufacturer and sales representative is reflected

both in the successful cooperation with Kinzo Architects and the innovative concept for
individualized mass production and online distribution of the modular furniture OZORI.

CONTACT

bau + art and KINZO AIR can be accessed through the following:

Internet: bau + art

http://bau-art.net.c.njh.eu/site/content/index_eng.html

KINZO AIR
http://www.kinzo-air.com

Personal: Stefan Werner, Director

bau+ar t, GmbH
Motzener Straße 28
12277 Berlin

Phone +49 (0)30 7109939-0

Fax +49 (0)30 7109939-9
Email: sw@bau-art.net
www.bau-art.net

Suna Wolff, Marketing and Press Relations

Email: wolff@bau-art.net

Our office hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Arrival Instructions (PDF)