‘panel nest’ by monika and keret järg image © designboom

within the ‘flight number ten’ exhibition, there are some countries which presented displays representing a specific theme. estonia is exhibiting the ‘smart hotel’ zone which has a number of projects dealing with improving one’s stay within the hotel environment. projects range from low to high-tech solutions.

saint etienne biennale 08: estonia's 'smart hotel' zone at 'flight number ten' detail of the ‘panel nest’ design image © designboom

using linen felt as the core material, these panels have the ability to improve the acoustics and microclimate of a room. the linen felt is good for sound absorption. because of the flax content of the material, the fibre also has the ability to adjust the humidity level in a room. the panels come in printed linen felt or woolen felt mixed with tencel, bamboo or soya fibre.

saint etienne biennale 08: estonia's 'smart hotel' zone at 'flight number ten' another ‘panel nest’ design image © designboom

saint etienne biennale 08: estonia's 'smart hotel' zone at 'flight number ten' ‘bob’ by jan graps and ken ruut for haapsalu ukesetehas image © designboom

the design of this door is part of an interactive navigation system for the hotel, INS. hotel customers receive a small sensor which can be fixed to their shirt or put in their wallet. a central computer of the hotel determines where the client is located within the building through the sensor and can provide the individual with directions as to where their hotel room is. these signs have LED diodes and an LCD screen which are installed into hotel doors. arrows made of diodes point in directions of up/down/left/right and the LCD screen displays the name of the client with a short message on how to get to their room. upon arrival to one’s room, the door has no handle. instead, the door asks the individual to identify themselves through a fingerprint reader which in turn will open the door if the fingerprint matches. if it doesn’t match, an automatic alert is sent to the hotel reception and security.

saint etienne biennale 08: estonia's 'smart hotel' zone at 'flight number ten' the hotel door greets clients image © designboom

saint etienne biennale 08: estonia's 'smart hotel' zone at 'flight number ten' ‘bubble’ wall lamp by tarmo luisk image © designboom

this wall lamp is inspired by a child blowing a bubble. it is made from vacuum moulded plastic with a light source of maximum 40 watts and comes in red or white.

more saint-étienne international design biennale: http://biennalesaint-etienne.citedudesign.com cité du design: http://www.citedudesign.com