The reopening of an interior design shop in Zurich is not in itself a particularly newsworthy event – unless it is a brand that has been writing design history with its range for more than 90 years. Apart from that, the renovated business premises are also historically significant and worth seeing.
In January 2025 – after a three-year complete renovation – wohnbedarf will reopen at its historic location at Talstrasse 11 in Zurich. The traditional Swiss retail company first moved into the modern building designed by Marcel Breuer and Robert Winkler in 1933. Now wohnbedarf is once again using its special understanding of design history to create contemporary spaces at its listed headquarters.
Over 90 years of modern design in Zurich
Closely linked to the ideals of modernity, wohnbedarf has been working on the mission of ‘merging lifestyle and home decor’ since 1931. This credo has characterised every idea, every product and every interior design that is created or sold here since the company was founded. Founded by Werner Max Moser, Sigfried Giedion and Rudolf Graber, the trading house is now returning to the building designed by Marcel Breuer and Robert Winkler in 1933, which was remodelled by Breuer with Anton Bee in 1956. Thanks to a conservation agreement with the Zürcher Denkmalschutz, the unique interiors will be preserved – a valuable art-historical heritage.
As a meeting place and sales outlet, wohnbedarf was always an important location for important designers committed to innovation, such as Max Ernst Haefeli, Max Bill – who designed the wohnbedarf logo – Wilhelm Kienzle, Werner Max Moser, Flora and Rudolf Steiger, Marcel Breuer, Alvar Aalto and Le Corbusier. With the return to Talstrasse, this touch of design history lives on.
Special editions in the spirit of modernity
To celebrate the new opening on Talstrasse, wohnbedarf is presenting special editions of proven design classics throughout the year. It all starts with the Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll. The chair was created in collaboration with Lilly Reich in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the World Exhibition in Barcelona. This milestone of modernism was already part of the wohnbedarf range 90 years ago – thus completing a circle.
In addition to other special editions, wohnbedarf 2025 offers a varied programme: From creative workshops and exciting studio insights to musical and culinary experiences, wohnbedarf promises a lively contribution to Zurich’s cultural life.
About wohnbedarf
wohnbedarf was established in 1931 by the visionary founders Werner Max Moser, Sigfried Giedion and Rudolf Graber. Since then, the company has stood for design expertise and innovative room concepts that merge lifestyle and living culture. With a unique combination of tradition and modernity, we design living and working environments that combine functionality and aesthetics at the highest level.
