Ewan Waddell

Reimagining the Aesthetics of Community.

TERMINO presents a bold new collaboration between Berlin-based spatial designer Anton Defant and Ukrainian interior designer Maryna Korak. It's a new, more conceptual vision than most of our past collaborations, sitting on the border somewhere between spatial design and installation art, all tied together with a gleaming modular system.

 

 

This scene unfolds in an unexpected harmony of contrasts, blending high design with the unapologetic practicality of "low-budget culture". At the heart of Defant’s concept lies a bold rethinking of communal spaces. He elaborates:

"The overall idea was to create a cantina or café-like scenario that involves a lot of people and emphasizes the community aspect."

 

 

The choice of the party tent as a central element reflects Defant's desire to challenge the boundaries of design. Typically associated with Oktoberfest, budget weddings, or beer gardens, the party tent finds new meaning here as a bold statement piece and a provocative home for an extended single-width TERMINO counter; an installation art piece reimagining the aesthetics of communal dining.

"I saw the party tent as a way to decontextualize and contrast its utilitarian feel with well-executed design, turning it into a symbol for gatherings."

 

The juxtaposition of this humble, everyday structure with TERMINO’s sleek, modular kitchen creates an irreverent yet thoughtful interplay. The tent offers a playful energy, softening the otherwise refined aesthetic.

"This approach was also meant to break the cold seriousness of contemporary design by introducing a humorous and relatable element of casual, everyday culture."

 

By placing the party tent in an unexpected context, Defant shifts its appearance and meaning; transforming it into something unusual yet impactful.

This duality—between the polished and the unpolished, the serious and the playful—is central to Defant’s vision. It’s not about creating perfection but fostering connection. Shared meals, casual conversations, and spontaneous moments of joy are all at the heart of the cantina-like atmosphere.

 

 

"This project was about creating an inclusive and communal environment while redefining the boundaries of what design can represent."

 

The result is a space that redefines what a gathering can be. It’s a celebration of contrasts, where polished surfaces coexist with playful imperfections, and where design invites spontaneity and humanity. At its core, Defant’s creation reminds us that great design doesn’t need to take itself too seriously to be meaningful.

 

Spatial Designer: Anton Defant

Visualisation: Maryna Korak