Toilet

On view at X-D-E-P-O-T
Shelf 11: Ceramics
DesignColani, Luigi (1928-2019) GND ULAN
ProductionVilleroy & Boch GND
ClientVilleroy & Boch GND
Date Draft1975
DesignColani, Luigi (1928-2019) GND ULAN
ProductionVilleroy & Boch GND
ClientVilleroy & Boch GND
Date Draft1975

Note: The following text refers to an object at a touch station in the X-D-E-P-O-T. It differs slightly from the original. This round object is a ceramic towel hook. The material ‘clay’ is fired and glazed. It is one of the oldest materials in human history; thanks to the glaze it is water-repellent, robust and hygienic – and thus ideal for bathroom use! When Luigi Colani chose it for his collection back in 1975, he ushered in a new era both at the renowned company Villeroy & Boch as well as in sanitary design as a whole. The organic shapes of his bathroom items were adapted to human movement: the toilet (Shelf No. 11), washbasin, soap dishes and toothbrush holders have no corners or edges. This design principle is typical of the German designer, who worked in almost all sectors of industry. With the first “complete bathroom” it was from then on considered a space for relaxation. The focus was on the human being, whose individual personality was also to be expressed in the colors – in green, yellow or blue.

  • L. Colani, towel rail from the same concept, 1975, tactile object in X-D-E-P-O-T
    Foto: Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum (K. Mewes)
  • Advertising photography, L. Colani's concept - bathroom as living space, 1975
    Foto: © V&B
  • Advertising poster for Colanis sanitary ceramics
    Foto: © V&B

Further detail

DesignColani, Luigi (1928-2019) GND ULAN
ProductionVilleroy & Boch GND
ClientVilleroy & Boch GND
Date Draft1975
Place of productionMettlach/Saar, Germany
Place of commissionMettlach/Saar, Germany
Size Height: 80, width: 40, depth: 75 cm
MaterialCeramics, Green glazed
ColourGreen
Inventory no810/2020