85 Years of Kusch+Co in the Anniversary Exhibition “Designs Beyond Time”
In the world of design, few brands can say they do not need to follow trends—because for decades they have been setting them. Kusch+Co, a brand belonging to Nowy Styl, a manufacturer of furniture for offices and public spaces, has for 85 years been creating furnishings that do not yield to fashion, but consistently respond to the changing needs of people, architecture, and technology. The anniversary exhibition “Designs Beyond Time: 85 Years of Design Heritage” tells a cross-sectional story of this philosophy—from the 1930s to the present day.
The exhibition presents iconic designs by world-class creators, including Dieter Rams, Luigi Colani, and Karim Rashid. It is not only a history of forms and materials, but above all a record of the evolution of thinking about design as a tool for improving the quality of everyday life.
The exhibition presents iconic designs by world-class creators, including Dieter Rams, Luigi Colani, and Karim Rashid. It is not only a history of forms and materials, but above all a record of the evolution of thinking about design as a tool for improving the quality of everyday life.
From Craftsmanship to Global Standards
The history of Kusch+Co began in 1939 in Hallenberg—a small town in Germany, surrounded by forests and deeply rooted in a craft tradition. From the outset, the brand’s founder, Ernst Kusch, focused on solidity, functionality, and design integrity. The first industrially produced model—the wooden chair “Programm 100”—quickly became a symbol of quality that remains the foundation and is embedded in the brand’s DNA to this day.
Subsequent decades brought dynamic growth and designs that responded to the realities of their times:
The “Designs Beyond Time” exhibition guides visitors through these stages, showing how the brand evolved without losing its identity.
Subsequent decades brought dynamic growth and designs that responded to the realities of their times:
- in the 1940s, design addressed material shortages and the need for durability,
- the 1950s and 1960s marked technological breakthroughs, stackability, and new materials,
- the 1970s emphasized ergonomics and prestigious projects for public institutions,
- the 1980s and 1990s introduced structural innovation, minimalism, and functionality,
- the 21st century brought emotion, sensory experience, and experience-driven design.
The “Designs Beyond Time” exhibition guides visitors through these stages, showing how the brand evolved without losing its identity.
Design Created in Dialogue with Masters
One of the pillars of Kusch+Co’s development is collaboration with outstanding designers. For years, the brand has invited renowned creators to co-create its collections—believing that the best design emerges from a dialogue of experience, courage, and responsibility.
Over the years, collaborators have included Luigi Colani, Dieter Rams, Jorge Pensi, Dieter Kusch, Studio F.A. Porsche, and in recent years also Karim Rashid—the designer behind the Bound collection, conceived to engage the senses of sight and touch and to shape the emotional perception of space.
Over the years, collaborators have included Luigi Colani, Dieter Rams, Jorge Pensi, Dieter Kusch, Studio F.A. Porsche, and in recent years also Karim Rashid—the designer behind the Bound collection, conceived to engage the senses of sight and touch and to shape the emotional perception of space.
Design That Works—Where There Is No Room for Compromise
For Kusch+Co, design has never been purely about aesthetics. The brand’s products are created for the most demanding environments: airports, hospitals, offices, and public spaces—where safety, hygiene, ergonomics, and durability are essential.
Today, Kusch+Co benches are present in more than 260 international airports worldwide and in thousands of public-use facilities. This is the result of a consistent commitment to quality, confirmed by certifications, rigorous standards, and decades of experience.
The brand’s philosophy is best captured by the words of its founder: “Quality is irreplaceable.”
Today, Kusch+Co benches are present in more than 260 international airports worldwide and in thousands of public-use facilities. This is the result of a consistent commitment to quality, confirmed by certifications, rigorous standards, and decades of experience.
The brand’s philosophy is best captured by the words of its founder: “Quality is irreplaceable.”
Kusch+Co Today—Heritage and the Future
Since 2019, Kusch+Co has been part of Nowy Styl, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of furniture for offices and public spaces. This stage has opened a new chapter in the brand’s history: further portfolio development, investment in new technologies and sustainable design, and a stronger presence on the international design scene.
The anniversary exhibition in Kraków is therefore not merely a summary of 85 years of history. It is a manifesto of design that remains relevant regardless of time—design that does not age.
The anniversary exhibition in Kraków is therefore not merely a summary of 85 years of history. It is a manifesto of design that remains relevant regardless of time—design that does not age.
Event Information
Exhibition:
“Designs Beyond Time: 85 Years of Design Heritage”
Duration:
Thursday, 15 January – Tuesday, 31 March
Venue:
Office Inspiration Centre ul. Radzikowskiego 182, Kraków
“Designs Beyond Time: 85 Years of Design Heritage”
Duration:
Thursday, 15 January – Tuesday, 31 March
Venue:
Office Inspiration Centre ul. Radzikowskiego 182, Kraków
