Room 13

Room 13 is one of my broadest, most holistic projects to date. From the ground up, Viviane Hausstein and I conceived and developed everything in close dialogue, from concept and design to implementation. The process spanned early discussions through to the final shoot and beyond, shaping a fictional hotel as a starting point for a complete world of rituals, intimate objects, and tactile experiences. I led the book design and we coordinated the workflow from initial concept through production, culminating in a celebratory moment during Milan Design Week in April 2026.

What distinguishes Room 13 is that it is more than a publication. It includes small, tangible elements — matches, keychains, bespoke hotel stationery, and shopping bags — carefully choreographed to contribute to the atmosphere. The pop-up store and book launch, realized in collaboration with Parkhotel Mondschein and elements from Aoiro Air and New Fidelity, integrated beverages, scent, and sound to create an immersive, multisensory environment. Every decision emerged from a sustained dialogue between Viviane and me, ensuring a cohesive storytelling platform that invites readers to inhabit the world of Room 13 beyond the final page.

The collaboration with Viviane Hausstein was integral. Together we conceived and photographed Room 13, aligning design decisions with the tactile realities of the objects, the hotel’s atmosphere, and the narrative we aimed to tell. This is a project where design, photography, and storytelling intertwine, guided by conversation and mutual trust, from concept to final installation and launch.

The book, the Pyjamas designed by Camilo Oliveira for this book and the Decor Walther products are available here.