The scientists of the Institute for Wood and Paper Technology and the Junior Professorship for Technical Design at Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) have developed an age-appropriate overall concept for furniture for the interior design of hotel rooms. The intention is to facilitate – by means of technical features – the accustomed movement patterns of the target group, the travelling fifty plus generation. Since May, the project team has been fitting out one of the two Innovation Sheds in front of the Hörsaalzentrum (lecture hall complex) as a test room to this end. Now, they are looking for up to 40 volunteers to test the practicality of the model fittings until the end of June. “Even those who aren’t so good at bending down any more or at lifting heavy suitcases can still enjoy active holidays,” is how project leader Dr. Christian Wölfel explains the research project “Altersgerechte Systemmöbel zur Hotelzimmer-Innenausstattung” (Age-appropriate modular furniture for the interior design of hotel rooms). The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BWMi) as part of the Central Innovation Programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (ZIM).

The fittings, which have been developed in collaboration with a furniture company from Seiffen, include an electronic suitcase lift, retractable wardrobe doors, extendable clothes rails and swivelling bedside tables.  Functions and the acceptance of the furniture will be investigated by observing and questioning the test persons. The furniture prototypes will then be optimised accordingly before actual production.

If you are interested in taking part in the study, please register with or by telephone under 0351 463-35761. Volunteers are asked to bring along a suitcase with outdoor equipment and should plan about one hour for the tests. Participants will also receive a small thank-you gift for their efforts.

Information for journalists:
Dr. Christian Wölfel
Phone: 0351 463-35798