When outdoor infrastructure meets museum archives.
The Cascade Paving Stone, designed by Bodo Sperlein for Godelmann, has officially entered the permanent collection of Die Neue Sammlung at the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich. Recognised as one of the world's leading museums for industrial and applied design, the institution celebrates objects that bring together innovation, material exploration and contemporary design.
The first paving stone to be featured in the collection, its inclusion marks an important milestone for the project, bringing a piece of contemporary urban infrastructure into a museum context.
Developed in collaboration with Godelmann, Cascade incorporates the patented GDM.KLIMASTEIN technology, an innovative three-layer structure that sets
it apart from conventional two-layer climate stones.
Combining technical performance with considered design, its softly curved geometry creates a flowing, interlocking pattern that moves away from traditional paving grids. The structure allows rainwater to infiltrate and be stored within the stone, supporting natural evaporation and helping to reduce the effects of urban heat, while demonstrating how functional paving can become an integral part of the architectural landscape.
The collection reflects Bodo Sperlein's ongoing interest in bringing design thinking into unexpected contexts, exploring the relationship between form, material and function.
We would like to thank Museum Director Angelika Nollert and the team at Die Neue Sammlung for recognising the collection and welcoming Cascade into the museum's permanent archive.
Photography credits: Fabian Frenzel
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