It’s show time! The biggest design event in Germany, PASSAGEN 2017 will be kicking off the international design season with projects and exhibitions by the crème de la crème of design, once again unfolding a unique panorama in the temporary ‘design mecca’ of Cologne: for one week, independent designers and young networks, high-end manufacturers, newcomers, universities, institutions, architects and design media will again be offering 100% design along the city centre parcours and in the Belgian quarter, along the ‘Ring’ boulevard and in the Rheinauhafen harbour, in Deutz and in Cologne’s creative Ehrenfeld neighbourhood. As a platform for current trends in design, interior design and urban lifestyles, PASSAGEN presents some 180 shows featuring design in conjunction with architecture and urban contexts, as well as addressing societal issues in relation to design. In the creative hubs of the Belgian and Ehrenfeld quarters, the focus is very much on up-and-coming designers: in the Naked Objects – Nieuwe German Gestaltung show, at the Designers Fair in the Barthonia showroom located next to ArchitekturSalon AIT at the 4711 industrial heritage site, and in the Rufffactory exhibition presenting young Dutch designers as part of the 10th design parcours ehrenfeld. Once again, PASSAGEN 2017 will again be both a ‘fountain of youth’ for established design classics and a stepping stone for young talent.