Round World or Around the Round Berker Switches

The history of Berker switches began in 1919, when brothers Robert and Hugo Berker founded a factory in the German town of Schalksmühle. The bet on German quality combined with bold design paid off: look back with us into history and enjoy the beauty of vintage Berker switches – switches that have been collecting successes and awards for almost a century…

1919
In the world of switches: This is where it all started: at the very beginning stood this rotary switch from the workshop of the Berker brothers. Even then, it excelled in simple design and functionality.
In the world of design: Mies van der Rohe – the MR 10 chair was specifically designed and made for the Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart.


 
1928
In the world of switches: Form follows function – at a time when the Bauhaus school emphasized this philosophy, the Berker brothers were inspired in product development by the famous architect Louis Henri Sullivan. Functional design, modesty, and solid technology were the hallmarks of Berker switches during this period.
In the world of design: This is not just a staircase, but a manifesto of its time: the spiral staircase in le Corbusier's Savoye villa (1928 – 1931).


 
1930
In the world of switches: Berker switches already met everything that a timeless product should have. And they truly became immortal...
In the world of design: The thirties rediscovered the fragile beauty of glass. (H. TH Baumann - works with glass, in the collection of New Collections, Munich).


 
1939
In the world of switches: The rotary switch made of black bakelite was an icon of its time.
In the world of design: Rounded shapes found their way into the minimalist Citroën C2 car, known by the nickname "duck".


 
1948
In the world of switches: Waterproof switches were traditionally made from cast resin or porcelain. Berker's rotary switches cast from plastic represented a truly revolutionary approach at that time. Plastic switches proved so reliable that their design elements remained unchanged for decades.
In the world of design: Just as timeless as when they were created: clocks by Swiss architect and designer Max Bill.


 
1957
In the world of switches: Color covers, nicknamed after the famous Belarusian-French painter “Chagall,” were offered for this type of switch.
In the world of design: Safe and round all around you: the “Ball Chair” designed by Eero Aarnio in 1962 for his apartment.


 
1965
In the world of switches: Perhaps it was only a matter of time, perhaps the political climate, it is something that is hard to explain today. What was certain, however, was that in the mid-sixties the era of round switches was replaced by square ones. Berker temporarily bid farewell to the round switch.
In the world of design: In the seventies, round glasses were part of the intellectuals' uniform.


 
1980
In the world of switches: A circle inside a square? Berker comes up with another peculiarity, ideally fitting into the industrial environment of the 1980s.
In the world of design: Goodbye purism, welcome Memphis. Postmodern design, such as the 9093 kettle by Michael Graves, contributed to the playful and colorful atmosphere of the 1980s.


 
1985
In the world of switches: A traditional round switch, but this time with a glass surface. The Berker Serie Glass switch was a stylish bridge between two eras.
In the world of design: “Palais Bulles,” a cave for the modern and chic man by architect Antti Lovag.


 
1996
In the world of switches: With an easily replaceable decorative ring, Berker opens up further possibilities for combinations and designs.
In the world of design: It looks simple, but in reality, it took three years of development to perfect. The Random light made of glass fibers and resin by Bertjan Pot.


 
1999
In the world of switches: Berker Serie 1930 represents a return to the roots. It fits especially well in interiors designed in the style of classical modernity. However, beneath the retro exterior, you will find the latest instrumentation technology.
In the world of design: In 1999, the Apple iPod with a scroll wheel had its world premiere.


 
2012
In the world of switches: The history of round switches continues. With the arrival of Generation R switches, the circle, so to speak, closed.
In the world of design: The new Volkswagen Beetle from 2012 is proof that rounded shapes will never go out of style.



Since 2010, Berker switches have been part of the Hager portfolio. They are available in the form of devices not only for classic installations, from ordinary sockets to data technology, roller shutter switches, dimmers, motion sensors, and thermostats, but also in the wireless variant Berker.Net, or as part of intelligent KNX installations.

The company Hager, based in Obernai, France, has been a specialist in electrical installations in residential and commercial buildings for over 60 years. The Czech branch, Hager Electro, celebrated 20 years of operation in the Czech Republic in 2015. A team of sales, technical, and marketing specialists takes care of Czech and Slovak customers. In 2016, it will launch its own design showroom, open to experts from among architects and the general public.