Textiles are on the outer reaches of my awareness as an architect, not because I don’t love and appreciate what they can do for a space, but more because of the stigma of “interior decorator” that is attached to them. Curtains bring memories of my grandmother’s plump window dressings and floral draperies. ENERGY, by Swiss company Creation Baumann couldn’t be more drastically different than my notion of curtains.

ENERGY. Designed by Creation Baumann.

ENERGY

is a laser cut, three-dimensional curtain that looks more like a hanging sculpture than a fabric. It transforms light through a series of slits and ridges, which at a glance are reminiscent of geometric feathers. “A voluminous fabric”, ENERGY is a paper-like material whose construction method is mysterious but intriguing.

Creation Baumann has an extensive collection of extravagant modern textiles that put traditional tweed to shame. The company is sustainably minded, optimizing water management, energy consumption and the use of chemical products along every step of the textile chain. Creation Baumann has been awarded the coveted Oeke-Tex Standard 100 certification, which is a globally uniform testing system that guarantees safe and ecologically sound principles along all stages of textile manufacture-from raw material production to final product. The Oeke-Tex Standard 100 certification also guarantees end products are free from harmful substances like formaldehyde, pesticides, heavy metals, chlororganic carriers and all allergy-inducing dyes and colorants.

During ICFF in New York last month, Creation Baumann partnered with fellow Swiss company Vitra to create an exciting installation. The two companies common origins and design philosophies will bring them together again next week at NeoCon, where they will showcase their newest designs in a kick-off party at the Merchandise Mart on Sunday, June 13. We expect to see another inventive installation by the Swiss duo.