The new VitraHouse has opened
On 22 February 2010 Vitra Ltd opened the new VitraHaus, which has been designed by Herzog and de Meuron, in Weil am Rhein. Products from the Vitra furniture collection are displayed there in different groupings – so-called collages – in the various exhibition areas. One or more info-terminals are available in every area. In all, there are around 25 terminals distributed throughout the house, both in the show rooms and in the shop. The concept of the terminals was jointly developed by Vitra and iart interactive. The implementation of the terminal hardware, system architecture, interaction design and the user surface design were the responsibility of iart interactive.
On entering the house each customer receives a RFID card, the so-called VitraHaus key. Customers personalise their key by indicating their country of residence and their language. During their visit, they use their key to log on at terminals and to obtain information, e.g. about the piece, colour and fabrics of the furniture, as well as availability and designer. The information appears automatically in their own language and for the country selected. Products in which a customer is interested can be added to his or her personal wish list by a mouse click.
In addition to the terminals, the VitraHaus offers two other media for interaction that iart interactive has realised: the Photo Corner and the Library.
The Photo Corner has already become the display’s highlight. Visitors can sit in Charles and Ray Eames’ iconic La Chaise, photograph themselves and send the photos via e-mail.
The Library is equipped with a Vitra office system module (consisting of a rectangular table with integrated monitors and bookshelves). Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a comprehensive archive of information about designers, architects and Vitra, using the digital data bank as well as the books that are available.
The use of the keys also provides the VitraHaus with valuable information about customers’ behaviour and preferences, e.g. which pieces of furniture and which versions of them are the most popular.
For more information please click here.
Interaction at one of the terminals
Selection out of the setting
Photo shooting in “La Chaise”
Result of the photo shooting in “La Chaise”