DesignApplause is honored to be a gia awards judge for the past 11 years, and i looked forward to selecting the best of the 2022 product design – thank you for submitting your product. the judges used the following criteria to select all submissions:
the gia awards criteria > appearance
> user benefits
> ecological responsibility
> market impact & positioning – note: this judge’s interpretation for example, if you’re making an ecological statement you’re letting the end-user know via the point-of-purchase (pop) packaging and/or product website – why? consumers are wanting planet saving products. how do we know for sure? give credit to the automobile industry’s dramatic shift to electric cars / if you’re making a design statement you might mention on the (pop) packaging, etc., that you’re entering your product and winning in other design competitions by displaying an award logo, i.e., a red dot award or german design award winner / if you mention that you’re product was mentioned in design-centric media, let your audience know because they want to make a statement too.
thirteen housewares suppliers ranging from well-established brands to first-time exhibitors were honored as global honorees of the iha global innovation awards (gia) for excellence in product design today. the global honorees in each of 13 categories were announced during the invitation-only gia dinner on the first evening of the inspired home show 2022, and the winners as well as the finalists were on display at the show. this is the first in-person gathering of the industry’s premier marketplace since 2019. the global winners are:
[ note: this post a work-in-progress as info comes in… ]
> bath + personal care:madesmart, drying stone™ toothbrush tray
designed to be used – and reused the new sky drinking bottle is available in both a stainless-steel version as well as in four elegant shades made from bpa-free tritan plastic: blue, pink, green, and gray. it is designed to be used time and time again, helping you limit the consumption of disposable bottles. designer: aurelien barbry
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> tabletop:gourmet kitchen works llc, olipac filare
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the 65 finalists in all categories are featured in the new product showcases in the buyers club in each show building and the 13 category global honorees are on display in the hall of product innovation in the grand concourse lobby in the north building.
alessi announces the recognition of four key projects designed by as many prominent figures of the international design scene in the 2021 good design® awards: with twergi by ettore sottsass, 100% make-up proust by alessandro mendini, plissé by michele de lucchi and sweetheart by jim hannon-tan
above> designed by michele de lucchiplissé collection features an electric kettle, a blender, a hand blender, a toaster, and a citrus juicer. the refined design of these small kitchen appliances perfectly embodies the alessi essence of objects conveying art and poetry, functionality paired to sophisticated aesthetical research that heightens them to domestic sculptures. echoing the fifties and sixties fashion, plissé collection covers with pleats and folds domestic objects, transforming them into contemporary objects to exhibit in all kitchen environments as modern sculptures.
above> designed by jim hannon-tansweetheart is a nutcracker inspired by the tale of the australian crocodile carrying the same name. at nearly 6 meters in length, sweetheart had a curious penchant for attacking outboard motor propellers. in 1979 he accidentally drowned by getting tangled in a net; his stuffed remains are preserved in a museum. inspired by a late-victorian model, this nutcracker is a tribute to australian wildlife. made of cast aluminum, it is a resistant and practical object to use, suitable for opening all types of dried fruit.
above> part of the alessi 100 values collection too, 100% make-up proust designed by alessandro mendini celebrates art as a crucial component in making design, and as an intrinsic and signifying value of alessi products. an extraordinary object originally crafted in two pieces for a show in bonn in 2000 whose title was “italy-germany 4:3. fifty years of italian and german design”, now re-edited in a numbered edition of 999 pieces. the vase ideally joins the collection coordinated by alessandro mendini in 1992, titled “100% make up”, which saw 100 authors, hailing from diverse creative fields, imagine a personal decoration for the same vase designed by the designer himself. this charming object provides a new interpretation of a pattern dear to mendini, born during a trip to france in the places where the writer marcel proust lived.
above> created in 1989 with the hope of revitalizing the ancient tradition of wood turning, at the beginning of 2021 the collection twergi by ettore sottsass has been relaunched with a new color palette as part of the 100 values collection that celebrates alessi anniversary. the collection includes jars, a corkscrew, a table centerpiece and salt, pepper, and spice grinders. these are must-have objects interpreted by sottsass with his distinctive signature juxtaposition of colorful overlapping shapes, typical of his poetic vision. all the pieces are made in italy with a semi-artisanal wood turning process in compliance with strict environmental, social, and economic standards.
now in its 71st edition, [ good design ] is one of the most prestigious and recognized design awards in the world, conferred annually by the chicago athenaeum museum of architecture and design in collaboration with the european center for architecture, art, design and urban studies and metropolitan arts press, ltd. founded in chicago in 1950 by architects eero saarinen, charles and ray eames and edgar kaufmann jr., the good design® prize is awarded evaluating over 900 design, graphics, and packaging projects from more than 48 countries, based on criteria such as innovation, sustainability, creativity, branding, shape, functionality, materials used, usefulness and aesthetics.
above> the chicago riverwalk / courtesy ross barney architects
DesignApplause always looks forward to meeting the winners of this prestigious award. this happening never disappoints. let’s take the opportunity for a special nod to fellow-chicagoan carol ross barney and ross barney architects
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cheryl d. miller is a graphic designer, author, and theologian who is best known for her advocacy on racial, cultural, and gender equity, diversity, and inclusion. an accomplished, award-winning designer and businesswoman, miller established one of the first black women-owned design firms in new york city in 1984. cheryl d. miller design, inc. serviced corporate communications to a fortune 500 clientele, including bet, chase, philip morris usa, time inc., and sports illustrated, as well as nonprofit african american organizations that grew out of the civil rights movement. miller’s seminal 1987 article for print magazine, “black designers missing in action,” laid the groundwork for her advocacy, followed by “embracing cultural diversity in design” in 1990, “black designers: still missing in action?” in 2016, and “black designers forward in action” in 2020. miller lectures widely. her work and archives were acquired by stanford university libraries in 2018. miller is the aiga medalist 2021, “expanding access.”
above> black designers missing in action / courtesy cheryl d. miller
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[ climate action ]
designed by doris sung, the invert™ self-shading window uses smart thermobimetal pieces inside the cavity of a standard double-glazed window to shade a building in a magical way—with a kaleidoscope of fluttering butterfly-like pieces. by responding to the sun, it dynamically blocks solar radiation from heating the building and thereby reduces air-conditioning usage by 25 percent, using zero energy and no controls. given that 40 percent of all energy used is in buildings, far more than transportation or other industries, and 12 percent of that energy is spent on cooling interiors, any amount of reduction has a tremendous impact on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. through her work, sung seeks ways to make building skins sensitive and responsive to the changing environments. she is the founder of los angeles-based dosu studio architecture, the director of undergraduate programs at usc, and the recipient of fellowships including from google’s r+d for the built environment, united states artists and the rockefeller foundation at bellagio.
above> the invert™ self-shading window / courtesy of doris sung
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[ emerging designer ]
founded in 2017, colloqate design is a multidisciplinary nonprofit design justice practice based in new orleans with a focus on expanding community access to, and building power through, the design of social, civic, and cultural spaces. its mission is to intentionally organize, advocate, and design spaces of racial, social, and cultural justice throughout the built environment. through programming, planning, and design projects, colloqate seeks to dismantle the privilege and power structures that use the design professions to maintain systems of injustice. colloqate organizes to build knowledge, power, and access in the communities it serves through ongoing community gatherings and workshops to share and build collective knowledge around the process of city-building. its work speaks to the potential for equitable spaces and attempts to visually and physically represent its collective aspirations for the future.
storia: defrag/ courtesy of colloquate design
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[ architecture and interior design ]
founded in chicago in 1981, ross barney architects’ mission is to create well-designed spaces for everyone. the studio is dedicated to the design of “noble” projects, without the most generous budgets or the most sought-after commissions, but those that are important to daily life and require innovative interventions. ross barney architects’ best work is often for unexpected, compelling projects that go beyond architecture, and exist on the edges or in the margins where design thought and consideration might not conventionally come into play. notable projects include the chicago riverwalk, mcdonalds’ flagship restaurants, cta cermak-mccormick place and morgan street stations, and the oklahoma city federal building. the studio has adopted a holistic approach, engaging the client, user, and community to allow a project to grow out of its place, history, and function.
above> the chicago riverwalk / courtesy ross barney architects
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[ communication design ]
founded in 1996 in los angeles, imaginary forces is an award-winning studio specializing in design-based visual storytelling. led by peter frankfurt, chip houghton, karin fong, tosh kodama, alan williams, ronnie koff, anthony gibbs, and grant lau, imaginary forces takes its name from the prologue of shakespeare’s henry v, where the narrator summons us to imagine the humble stage as a grand battlefield. for 25 years, the studio has created work that dares audiences to conjure up entirely new worlds. known for designing iconic title sequences including for marvel, mad men, boardwalk empire, and stranger things, imaginary forces has brought motion design into the worlds of advertising, architecture, gaming, and documentary film production. the studio is proud to have launched the careers of countless colleagues in the motion design industry. imaginary forces’ work has won numerous emmys and appeared in moma, walker center, wexner, sxsw, and the venice architecture biennale.
above> mad men / courtesy imaginary forces
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[ digital design ]
based in los angeles, behnaz farahi is an award-winning designer whose work is situated at the intersection of digital design, architecture, fashion, and interactive design, ranging from the scale of wearables to architectural installations. farahi explores how materials in the environment can be imbued with artificial intelligence and life-like behaviors, incorporating techniques such as eeg brain imaging, facial and gaze tracking, 3d printing, as well as novel actuator systems, such as smart materials and pneumatics systems. she engages with the latest developments in neuroscience, cognitive philosophy, computational design, artificial intelligence, and feminism, in order to spark imagination and foster conversations about the future of design. she is assistant professor of design at csulb and co-editor of 3d-printed body architecture (2017) and interactive futures (forthcoming). her work is in the permanent collection of the museum of science and industry, chicago, and clients include adidas, autodesk, fuksas studio, and 3dsystems / will-i-am.
above> iridescence / courtesy behnaz farahi
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[ fashion design ]
becca mccharen-tran is a fashion designer, cultural worker, and the founder of future-forward bodywear line chromat. in her design practice, mccharen-tran interrogates the cultural hegemony around representation and inclusion. a forbes 30 under 30 pick for “people who are reinventing the world,” mccharen-tran is creating a world that empowers women, femmes, and nonbinary people in fashion and beyond. mccharen-tran delivered a ted talk on the urgency of racial, gender, and disability justice in fashion and has lectured at sxsw, parsons, mit, cfda, pratt, fit, and mica. she also staged the “queer joy” exhibition at moma ps1, a series of performances and installations celebrating the lgbtq community. chromat has been profiled in major publications such as vogue, the new york times, and the wall street journal, and has collaborated with intel, disney, reebok, mac cosmetics, mit design lab, and equinox.
aw 14 bionic bodies / courtesy of becca mccharen-tran
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[ landscape architecture ]
studio-mla integrates landscape architecture, urban design, and planning to create places that inspire human connection, unite communities, and restore environmental balance. “advocacy by design” is a foundation of the practice. for more than 25 years, founder and president mia lehrer, fasla, has sparked the team’s inventive thinking to address complex relationships within urban and natural environments. from the master planning of rivers to the design of intimate plazas and gardens, the studio is recognized for creativity, pragmatism, and responsibility across a range of scales and geographies. with offices in los angeles and san francisco, its 45-person team includes landscape architects, planners, botanists, and ecologists from around the world. diversity and multiple perspectives add meaning to collaborations and value to outcomes. together, the firm believes in the transformative power of design to recalibrate its shared surroundings for a resilient future.
biolite is on a mission to empower people and protect the planet through access to renewable energy. a social enterprise that develops, manufactures, and markets advanced energy products for off-grid communities around the world, the company creates novel cooking, charging, and lighting solutions that serve both outdoor enthusiasts and rural communities without access to the grid. headquartered in brooklyn, new york and nairobi, kenya, the company was founded in 2009 by jonathan cedar and alec drummond. biolite is proudly a carbon neutral company and a founding member of climate neutral, an independent nonprofit dedicated to helping companies measure, reduce, and offset their carbon footprint. to date, biolite has impacted over 1.7 million people across africa and asia and avoided over 400,000 tonnes of co2e through its clean energy solutions—equivalent to taking 100,000 cars off the road for a year. the company is the recipient of numerous recognitions, including the red dot design award, fast company’s innovation by design award, core77 design award, and businessweek’s most promising social enterprise.
above> grid in the sky / courtesy biolite
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[ jury ] kofi boone
billy fleming
joe gebbia
kristine johnson
grace jun
patricia saldaña natke
[ what are the national design awards? ]
the national design awards program was launched in 2000 as an official project of the white house millennium council, with the goal of increasing awareness and understanding of how design improves everyday life. presented each year by cooper hewitt, smithsonian design museum, the awards recognize innovation and impact in design. nominations are made by the general public, and winners are selected by a diverse jury of design leaders and educators.
be original americas, a nonprofit advocacy organization, committed to informing, educating and influencing manufacturers, design professionals and consumers about the economic, ethical, and environmental value of authentic design. each year, the organization has hosted an annual summer fellowship in which two undergraduate design students roll up their sleeves for an immersive five-week exploration to a multitude of member brands—invaluable exposure for rising design talents.
thanks to the coronavirus and the ongoing quarantine, however, this year’s fellowship will unfold in a slightly different way. from 15 june to 17 july, more than 25 member companies of be original americas will present a series of webinars to a global audience of design students. each session will provide exclusive insights and access to their factories, architecture, and design studios, ranging from emeco’s make things that last culture to herman miller’s inspirational archives. currently enrolled design students are welcome to attend.
so, attention all university students worldwide! want to see behind-the-scenes of what it takes to create and make original design? register now for one or all of the first be original americas virtual fellowship sessions. our member companies will welcome you from all over the world to help you discover your future career path and follow your passion.
[ neocon’s 51st edition ] since 1969 neocon continues to serve as the world’s premier platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry. below are events with the merchandise mart as well as off-site satellite offerings.
neocon at the merchandise mart | 222 west merchandise mart plaza chicago [ directions ] /
[ show info ] /
monday 10 june 9am > 5pm
tuesday 11 june 9am > 5pm
wednesday 12 june 9am > 3pm
the world’s leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial design industry celebrates its 52nd edition with the latest ideas, products, and experiences to inspire, connect and engage.
join luminaire for an exhibition of fantoni's newest collection -- atelier. designed in collaboration with gensler, the adaptive furniture solution empowers creative, yet practical work environments.
skyline design is pleased to introduce oblique & chevron, a line of architectural glass designs created by the renowned team of ronan and erwan bouroullec. the collection will debut at skyline design’s merchandise mart showroom during neocon, the annual design show in chicago, which takes place from 10 > 12 june 10.
lockdown cut-proof bag by travelon / home organization + storage / booth n6031
with features like safetex cut-proof strap and body material, sold brass lock and one-piece construction valuables are safe when on-the-go.
safetex material cannot be cut with knives, scissors or razor – nor can bolt cutters cut the strap. lockdown bags come in two sizes, one for essential items the other for larger iPad size items.
theft is a crime of opportunity and the travelon¨ anti-theft lockdown bag stops theft.
below> fledge – flip edge cutting board by dreamfarm / kitchen hand tools + cutlery / booth n8107
fledge is the world’s best cutting board. fledge has unique flip up edges that prevent food from falling or rolling off the sides when being transported to a pot, bowl or table for serving. both fledge and the double-sized big fledge (coming soon) have non-slip rubber feet and knife-friendly patterns on both sides, and a generous juice groove for carving on the underside. won’t warp in the dishwasher.
below> flex by joseph joseph / bath + personal care / booth n7900
the concept behind the head is appearing in a variety of products. what makes this product standout is the unique head design and elegant packaging that easily stores with its minimal footprint, even if you don’t have a utility storage room.
conventional toilet brushes hold dirt and liquid, making them messy and unhygienic to use and clean. also their bristles can distort and wear, meaning they need to be replaced regularly. flex™ is an innovative toilet brush designed to solve all these problems.
it features a flexible, d-shaped head that reaches all areas, even under the rim. it has widely spaced bristles that prevent dirt clogging, allowing liquid to drain quickly and minimising drips between cleaning and storing.
it also has durable bristles and comes with a slimline holder for neat storage.
below> ta da over the sink drying mat by jascor housewares / cleaning / booth s1217
dry your dishes right where you wash them. made with fda-approved silicone and reinforced with stainless steel rods, this simple, sturdy mat allows runoff from freshly washed items to drip directly into the sink. you can even use it to rinse and drain fruits and vegetables. roll up and put away when you’re done. that’s how to-do becomes ta-da.
below> sensor mirror compact by simplehuman / personal electrics / booth n7735
a simple concept tweak creates a must-have travel companion. tru-lux light system simulates natural sunlight, allowing you to see full color variation, so you’ll know when your makeup is color-correct and flawless. the 3x magnification gives you a hyper-clear view of every detail. sensor turns light on automatically when taken out of the sensor pouch, and turns it off when put back in. the power button lets you toggle between 650 or 300 lux dual brightness settings. a fold-out ring handle is secure and comfortable in your hand, or can be used as a stand for hands-free viewing — and it comes with an attached button strap that keeps the mirror secure inside the pouch. the mirror is rechargeable, and one charge lasts up to 1 week with typical daily usage.
below> titan – trash compactor by joseph joseph / household + home electrics / booth n7900
titan is an innovative waste solution with a patented, hygienic compaction system. this allows it to hold up to three times more than a similar-sized household bin. compacting your rubbish means you empty your bin less often and use fewer liners. titan also features an anti-tear design that won’t stretch or pinch the liner and a replaceable odour filter to neutralise any unpleasant smells.
below> cuisnart venture portable gas grill submitted by the fulham group / cook + bakeware / booth s1672
the cuisinart venture portable gas grill is not your average “tailgating” gas grill. the sleek and modern aesthetic, with store ‘n go design inspires adventure and helps couples enjoy those intimate moments. perfect for the date night picnic or small group gatherings. the wooden lid doubles as a chopping board; simply remove the cutting board from the top to prepare your meal or use it for cheese and crackers to enjoy while sipping a glass of wine. the grill grates are porcelain enameled cast iron, giving off more heat and holds heat longer than steel. a simple, complete, and compact portable grilling system.
below> globe watering can – jet and shower watering can by eva solo / home décor * gifts / booth8324
globe watering can allows the user to select between a jet watering or shower watering with a simple turn of the spout. practical hole in the side for easy filling. perfectly balanced for easy pouring.
below> messy mutts travel water bottle and bowl by jascor / pets/ booth s1217
perfect for your thirsty mutt on the go! just fold up the silicone bowl and press the quick release button. unused water drains back into the 700ml or 24 oz stainless steel bottle after use and the bowl folds back over the bottle for easy portability.
care > disassemble and hand wash with warm water and mild soap or place in dishwasher. hand wash recommended. do not microwave. silicone bowl can be removed from cap. bpa and pvc free.
below> cubit by plott / smart home products / booth L14000
cubit is the first tool that can bring your dimensional data to your smart device and also extract it back into the real world after you have manipulated it. this means that after you measure your space and arrange it to your liking in the app, cubit will then guide you to make your design a reality bringing your project to life. editor’s and gia judge note: with regard to category strength the smart home products category contained quite a few exceptional products and a shame we couldn’t have had a tie amongst two or three products.
thawthat! deluxe defrosts meat right on the countertop without any external heat or power source for a gentle, even thaw in less than half the time of traditional countertop thawing.
features >
dissipates cold and draws ambient warmth to the surface / eco-friendly / rugged anodized aluminum, abs, polypropylene construction / cleaner than soaking and gentler than microwaving / faster (up to 2.5x) than traditional countertop thawing / concave surface directs melted liquid / green – no wires or batteries required / hand wash recommended
promeco has created tempcontrol® technology which keeps dinnerware warm or cold for more than 30 minutes.
this technology is presented via the calido onyx black dinner plate by sanodegusto, offering the perfect backdrop for a culinary tour de force. the anti-scratch structure ensures multiple use without devaluing the design. moreover, the integrated revolutionary tempcontrol® technology makes sure any dish stays warm for at least 30 minutes. sanodegusto is a division of promeco.
[ gia global innovation awards – product design ] the iha innovation awards have honored the best in product design at the international home + housewares show for the past four years. the award’s name and tagline have now changed to the iha global innovation awards (gia), honoring product design excellence.
all products entered into the new product showcase will have a chance at winning. innovative products will be judged by a panel of experts that includes designers, retailers and news media.
product finalists selected by the judges were announced prior to the show and will be featured in each buyers club and at the iha global innovation awards display in the lakeside center lobby.
editor’s note: ron kovach has been a judge since inception of this award.
above > mwabwindo school which will serve primary school students in rural zambia
design miami/ 2017 exhibitions feature
utopian aspirations, robotic fabrications, americana, monumental scale, world debuts, and solo exhibitions
/ 33 galleries represent 14 countries, and include 8 founding galleries & 3 first-time galleries
/ design for a better world is a narrative that runs across galleries and through time periods
/ computer numerical control (cnc) continues to change manufacturing forever––see examples on-site
/ natural wood and craft furniture make a resurgence
/ galleries bring the large and the statuesque from the outside in, showing works of unprecedented scale
[ design visionary/ ]
an exhibition space within the fair will be dedicated to honoring the recipient of the 2017 panerai design miami/ visionary award – mwabwindo school which will serve primary school students in rural zambia. developed and operated by 14+ foundation, designed by selldorf architects, with artwork by rashid johnson, and newly commissioned furniture by christ & gantenbein, all of whom have provided their services pro bono. opening in 2018, the school will provide quality arts-based education to the community. below >
[ collaborations / ] fendi/ welcome! to celebrate its tenth edition at design miami/, fendi presents welcome!, a luxurious living room setting designed by chiara andreatti that creates a survey of the fendi universe. this sophisticated, open environment, incorporates fendi selleria leather and stitching, fur craftsmanship and other iconic elements of the house’s dna. below >
audi/ the audi/ motherboard audi presents the audi a8 featuring a new design language, an innovative touchscreen operating concept, and a systematically electrified drive. the audi a8 is also the first production automobile in the world to have been developed for conditional automated driving. audi engineers are giving visitors an intimate look into the core of audi’s research and development facility: a mock-up for testing of the electronic components from the various stages in the development process of the audi a8 is on display. below >
maison perrier jouët/ becoming in collaboration with artists petra bachmaier and sean gallero of luftwerk, chicago, maison perrier-jouët’s becoming takes over miami in key locations throughout art basel miami beach including design miami/, eden by perrier-jouët, and miami international airport, using projected color and light to reimagine familiar environments in unexpected ways. the immersive space at design miami/ features a rhythmic ebb and flow of colored light that results in a bold, contemporary reinterpretation of the maison’s historic links with art nouveau. below >
airbnb/ a wild thing designer duo fien muller and hannes van severen of muller van severen invite design miami/ visitors into their own home in a complete replica of their actual living room in belgium. the installation includes their personal items, such as works of art by the designers’ family members, souvenirs they’ve collected over time, and original furniture of their own design. but there’s more than meets the eye––listen closely for whispered stories detailing the hidden lives of the room’s objects, which discreetly guide visitors through the space. below >
louis vuitton objets/ nomades presents an exclusive objet nomade: the turquoise-colored edition of the bomboca sofa, a new piece by fernando and humberto campana. other objets nomades making their design miami/ 2017 debut include atelier oï’s swing boat and belt chair; patricia urquiola’s palaver chair; india mahdavi’s talisman table; and marcel wanders’s lune chair and diamond screen. louis vuitton objets nomades is an ever-expanding collection of limited edition, collectible furniture inspired by louis vuitton’s storied art of travel. below >
preview day (by invitation only)
tuesday, december 5/
collectors preview/ 12–6pm
opening night preview/ 6–8pm
vernissage (by invitation only)
wednesday, december 6/
10am–12pm
public show days
wednesday, december 6/ 12–8pm
thursday, december 7/ 10am–8pm
friday, december 8/ 11am–8pm
saturday, december 9/ 12–8pm
sunday, december 10/ 12–6pm
[ design miami/ ] is the global forum for design. each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators, and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce. occurring alongside the art basel fairs in miami, florida, each december and basel, switzerland, each june, design miami/ has become the premier venue for collecting, exhibiting, discussing, and creating collectible design. http://www.designmiami.com
and the winner is…claire christianson, a sophomore at providence academy, chose as her inspiration object a painted porcelain art nouveau vase. christianson explained, “i was inspired by the media of the art nouveau vase. my chair’s form was taken from the tons of little ribbons of clay trimmings that the potter cut off in pursuit of his masterpiece.”
cooper hewitt, smithsonian design museum announces the launch of student design challenge #thinkoutside, its first-ever nationwide competition for high school students, inviting them to submit ideas for an outdoor chair inspired by objects from the museum’s collection. organized by cooper hewitt in collaboration with target, the challenge’s winning chair design will be manufactured by the retailer for exclusive use in the museum’s recently redesigned arthur ross terrace and garden.
above> vase, 1903; painted by samuel schellink (danish, 1876-1958); manufactured by rozenburg pottery and porcelain factory (the hague, netherlands); painted porcelain; gift of arthur altschul, 1994.
fellow [ finalists ] lauren schrempp (new york), valerie taranto (new jersey), ryan thompson (illinois), and tanner wall (florida), traveled to new york to participate in a design workshop at cooper hewitt with members of target’s design team and museum educators. on sunday, april 3, the finalists presented his or her design in person to the judges.
[ the judges ] cooper hewitt director caroline baumann was joined by a panel of creative experts to evaluate the finalists’ designs, including national design award winner walter hood, principal and founder, hood design; steven keating, head of performance footwear design, puma; rachel shechtman, founder, story; tana smith, youtube star “tanamontana100” and author; todd waterbury, chief creative officer, target; and tony whitfield, associate professor of art and design, parsons school of design. susanna sirefman, president of dovetail design strategists and competition advisor for the challenge moderated the panel’s deliberations. [ details ]#thinkoutside
above> german design award installation at ambiente 2015 | click on image to engage lightbox | 18 images
the 2016 winners of the german design award have been made public. the gda is this one of the best award programs around. a very wide breadth of product submissions for cars, motorcycles, med & industrial equipment, architecture, it seems like everything. they’re also one of the best at showcasing winners in a huge installation at ambiente, a heavy investment in print and well represented online. this represents a heavy monetary investment in design. the above slideshow is a glimpse at 2015 during ambiente 2015. the german design award is hosted by the german design council who celebrates its 60th year in 2015
category> event / light installation for 25 years fall of the wall celebrations in berlin 2014
client> kulturprojekte berlin gmbh für die stadt berlin
design> whitevoid / christopher bauder
award> gold 2016
jury statement> michel casertano | dr. angelika nollert | prof. hartmut a. raiser
from the 7th to the 9th of november 2014, berlin remembered the 25th anniversary of the fall of the berlin wall and the reunification of the city. in line with the festivities, there was a fascinating light installation that marked the former path of the wall with illuminated balloons along a 15.3 km stretch. on the final evening of the installation 8,000 balloon caretakers released the balloons into berlin’s night sky, each carrying a personal message. a moving project with enormous symbolic and charismatic power that made an impact far beyond the borders of germany. the project was realised through private financing – not by the city, which meant that there was a comparatively small budget. this is an impressive demonstration of the fact that one can create something extraordinarily effective even with limited means.
category> sports, outdoor activities and leisure
producer> tentsile
design> tentsile / alex shirley-smith
award> gold 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp
the tentsile stingray is a new kind of tent that is hung between three trees, poles or branches and floats in the air, extending the radius of experience from two to three dimensions. the occupants (up to three people) are not only protected from the weather, but from wild animals and insects as well. the form changes according to the tent’s tension, making it seem almost like a living creature. this fascinating tree tent is an innovative outdoor tool that totally reinterprets the leisure tent system. at once functional and poetic.
category> transportation / racing bike
producer> storck bicycle
design> storck bicycle / mario kuban
award> gold 2016
jury statement > johannes barckmann | prof. andrea lipp | jürgen lewandowski
for its 20-year anniversary, the legendary bicycle manufacturer is releasing selected models as a limited edition set. the models have special anniversary paintwork and high-quality components. the set also includes a platinum handlebar and a seat with special supports. the frame is adorned tastefully with the master’s signature. a polo shirt with the brand name and a certificate signed by markus storck himself round off this exclusive set. the combination of technical perfection and dynamic styling reflects storck’s authentic passion for designing bikes: absolutely functional, absolutely carbonic! absolutely perfect.
category> architecture
client> kogakuin university
design> ft architects / hiroko tominaga
award> gold 2016
jury statement> mårten claesson | dr. michael peters | stefan von terzi
this pair of extraordinary buildings on the campus of the kogakuin university in tokyo houses a japanese archery facility and a boxing club. the two wooden structures made of native, local woods each cover a space of around 7.2 m x 10.8 m. this is about the size of a traditional japanese temple, and these spaces are similarly open and minimal, which has a positive effect on the athletes’ concentration. the special quality, however, is the support-free roof construction, which was planned and realised based on traditional japanese wooden structures. a fascinating statement that contributes to keeping this architectural style alive in the cultural memory. the way these buildings have transformed functionality into aesthetics can only be described as sensational.
award> gold 2016
jury statement> johannes barckmann | prof. andrea lipp | jürgen lewandowski
the designers of the exp 10 speed 6 achieved a fantastic reinterpretation of the british legend and a self-aware statement of luxury and extravagance on the highest level. this is particularly apparent when looking at the interior. the door panels are not covered with leather matching the material used for steering wheel and seats like usual, but instead are covered with high-quality wood. the possibilities in high-quality processing and craftsmanship are demonstrated here. the exterior inspires with a progressive/elegant design vocabulary that transports the classic car into the future. muscular, athletically shaped surfaces that are inspired by aerodynamic shapes such as aircraft fuselages and aerofoils convey dynamism, power and speed. an extraordinarily beautiful automobile that perfectly combines aesthetics and precision – and is unmistakably a bentley. it couldn’t be done better!
category> baby and child care / children`s car seat
producer> takata
design> takata / reiner nett
award> gold 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp
in this excellently designed children’s car seat, children stay both safe and comfortable, even on long trips. this is ensured by the stabile casing and the exceedingly soft padding on the seat itself and the arm supports. the microfiber fabrics are toxin-free and can be cleaned easily. the seatbelt guide has an auto-lock feature, guaranteeing that the belt stays in position, while the airpad safety technology protects the head. parents may enjoy the practical one-handed operation for size adjustment and belt fastening. a well-designed product, considered down to the last detail and visually appealing.
category> material and surfaces / innovative material based on natural rattan
producer> out for space
design> out for space / peter kraft, julian reuter, moritz fuhrmann, miriam bröckel
karuun® is a highly innovative material that provides transformative new dimensions for the design possibilities of rattan. the composition of natural rattan can be understood as a bundle of small tubes, which makes it absolutely unique. the company out for space uses this special quality to inject natural filler material into the material. the result – karuun® – offers increased rigidity, fantastic bending properties, weather-resistance and a wide range of coloration possibilities. the kc collection gives a foretaste of what is possible with karuun®. and it is already an extremely impressive collection. all in all, a promising material that is also very sustainable. exciting.
with this new product line, simonsvoss offers the perfect solution for integrated access control systems. smart intego can be immediately connected to existing complex access control systems — and the smart intego manager makes it easier than ever by auto-configuring the system components and saving a significant amount of time and effort in comparison to other systems. the digital lock cylinder offers various additional functions such as audit trail, time zone management, event management and door monitoring.
category> architecture / residential
client> private client
design> paul de ruiter architects / paul de ruiter
award> winner 2016
jury statement> mårten claesson | dr. michael peters | stefan von terzi
villa kogelhof is designed to be completely energy self-sufficient and is located on a swath of land declared a conservation area by the government. the minimalist building, designed with straight lines, rests on v-shaped pillars to take away as little as possible from the protected habitant for plants and animals. the interior of the house is no less minimalist due to surrounding glass panels that enhance the home’s sense of openness and connection to nature. a great design that perfectly plays up interior and exterior, while redefining the standard for natural living.
category> lifestyle and fashion / combination of a bag and a backpack
producer> notabag
design> notabag / adnan alicusic, ilaria gregianin
award> winner 2016
jury statement> prof. stefan diez | nicolette naumann | silvia olp
notabag is a cleverly-designed combination of carrier and rucksack that can be carried on your arm or back, as desired. a simple motion is all it takes to change the rucksack into a bag or vice-versa. an internal back serves to store your wallet and keys. that means that everything is easy to find without having to rummage around for it. notabag transforms and closes all on its own, meaning that it doesn’t need any additional buttons or closures. if the bag isn’t needed it can fold down to almost nothing. a practical, amazingly designed product for daily use.
category> furniture / chair and table collection
producer> normann copenhagen
design> normann copenhagen / simon legald
award> special 2016
jury statement> prof. oliver grabes | sebastian herkner
form is a modern cup chair made using plastic mould casting, which is available with and without armrests and also as a bar stool in two different heights. the back and seat are ergonomically shaped and promise comfort and relaxation. form is an example of a flexible design that in principle fits on all frames – even those yet to be developed in the future. the series has now been expanded with a dining table in two sizes – the perfect accompaniment to the chairs.
[ iittala ] ruutu vases are honored by the cooper-hewitt, national design museum permanent collection. updating the museum’s holding of scandinavian and contemporary glass, ruutu joins previously selected iittala glassware by tapio wirkkala in this curated and highly respected collection.
iittala’s first collaboration with ronan and erwan bouroullec, ruutu is a series of 10 vases available in five sizes and seven colors. when collected and combined, they make a seamless installation where both the strength and delicate qualities of glass come alive. meaning diamond in finnish, ruutu is created from mouth-blown glass in iittala’s finland factory. each vase takes seven craftsman 24 hours to produce. the large color version presents the biggest manufacturing challenge: reaching an even, delicate color requires the exact temperature, timing and a great deal of expertise in glass-mass chemistry. precise execution of a well-conceived design makes ruutu a natural fit for a museum devoted to advancing the public understanding of design and human creativity both past and present.
located in new york city, the [ cooper-hewitt ] is one of nineteen museums that falls under the wing of the smithsonian institution and is the only museum in the united states devoted to historical and contemporary design. the permanent collection consists of more than 200,000 objects representing contemporary and historical design in four curatorial departments – drawings, prints, and graphic design; product design and decorative arts; textiles; and wallcoverings.
[ iittala ] started as a glass factory in iittala, finland in 1881, today celebrates generations of essential objects that are made to enrich people’s everyday lives. iittala believes objects should be distinctive, combinable and multi-functional, with lasting design that inspires individual use and expression. as a company based in fin-land, where quality, aesthetics and functionality are important values, iittala believes in interior design that lasts a lifetime. the progressive philosophy of finnish design heroes, kaj franck and alvar aalto, acts as in inspiration to keep iittala forever relevant.
editor’s note>ruutu possesses extraordinary technical detailing, the corners for example, the clearness and purity of color, the gradation of color due to the variance in thickness, i.e., the lightening at the very thin and unique 30 degrees corners. photography does not do this collection justice. click on photo > enlarge
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