In March this year, the 10th International Design Awards were judged with an extensive pool of designs submitted by students from 77 countries. An international jury consisting of Luisa Robinson from the Philippines, Gordon Bruce from the USA and Max Lamb from England focused not only on the degree of innovation of the product concept, but also the quality of the presentation of the entry. This year’s theme was “take furniture to the next level”. This is also the 10th year the prize has been supported by Hettich and Rehau.
And the winners are…
Anita Kokoszczyk, student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland, submitted a design called “Hang Out”, an implement for drying and hanging items of clothing that can be integrated into a door frame and used flexibly. The space-saving and convenient “Hang Out” element is especially beneficial in small apartments.
Marwa Istanbuli of the American University of Sharjah became the first female student from the United Arab Emirates to take part in the International Design Award. Her “G-Wash” design is an ergonomic dishwasher that recycles used water. The device is controlled using a touch display integrated into the worktop. The dishwasher is filled from the top, with the height adjustment function enabling people of all heights to use the device comfortably.
Vishal Sathivada of India, student at the DYPDC Center for Automotive Research and Studies in Pune, designed the “Slice Slide Down Cabinet”, a cabinet system that enables more convenient and ergonomic access to objects stored in overhead cabinets. An intelligent, retractable grip allows the cabinet’s contents to be pulled down somewhat. The tambour doors that constitute the front of the cabinet are automatically opened and closed in the process.
The best designs have been honoured with the International Design Award sculpture. The students also received prize money of €2,000 each, as well as a joint trip to Germany in September 2015. The prize winners will visit Hettich and Rehau and attend a design workshop over several days. The 50 best submissions will also be awarded a certificate.
This year’s €1,500 prize for the university with the highest number of entrants goes to the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland. As part of the International Design Award 2015, Hettich and REHAU will also be awarding a company prize.
For more information visit www.internationaldesignaward.com or www.rehau.com or www.hettich.com
