On 17 October 2008, Bremen-based Steinbeis transfer center i/i/d (Institute of Integrated Design) celebrated its tenth anniversary. The same day, it was designated a selected location for sustainability under a German innovation scheme rewarding “365 Landmarks in the Land of Ideas.”
Going by a twin motto – “10 years future – night of innovation” – the ceremony took place in the main auditorium at Bremen University of the Arts in the presence of around 300 guests from politics, trade and industry, banking, academia and research.
Professor Detlef Rahe, founder and head of the i/i/d, received the trophy from Werner Neumann (Director of Deutsche Bank in Bremen) along with a certificate signed by the German President, Horst Köhler. “We are extremely proud to have been chosen as a landmark in the ‘Land of Ideas’, and are delighted at the recognition of our people and our work,” announced Rahe, accepting the award. “It’s especially nice to have this coincide with our 10th anniversary.”
In a speech praising the i/i/d, Werner Neumann stated that “by dovetailing theory with practice, the institute has provided fertile ground upon which new ideas can flourish. Its innovative flair and drive to forge new paths are helping write a new chapter in the future success of our economy.”
The i/i/d was founded in October 1998 as part of Rahe’s appointment as Professor of 3D Design at the University of the Arts in Bremen, partly thanks to the active support of the Senator for Economics in cooperation with the Department of Science. In his official speech, Ralf Nagel, the current Senator for Economics and Ports, congratulated Prof. Rahe and his team, highlighting the strong standing the i/i/d has gained over the last decade, and wishing them “at least one good idea a day.”
Professor Rahe emphasized that “success would never have been possible without the support of so many people along the way, and especially the backing of Steinbeis as the main sponsor of the institute.” He then looked back over the ten years: 133 projects, for 99 clients, carried out by more than 118 creative colleagues. “I think the numbers are really quite impressive,” he said, adding with a twinkle in his eye: “We’re currently looking for our hundredth client.”
Prof. Detlef Rahe, Dipl.-Des. (FH), MFA
Steinbeis Transfer Center i/i/d Institute of Integrated Design (Bremen)
stz417@stw.de