2017 Gray Award for Product Design: Whorl Console by Neal Aronowitz wins in the Furniture/Lighting category

Whorl Console  by Neal Aronowitz Wins 2017 Gray Award for Product Design

Whorl Console by Neal Aronowitz

Crédit photo : Ouum Studio

Whorl Console, designed and made by Neal Aronowitz, was the winner of the 2017 Gray Award for Product Design in the Furniture/Lighting category. The judges included Philippe Starck, Karim Rashid and Ingo Maurer.

The judges were impressed by the unique design and specialized casting techniques Aronowitz developed for the table. Ingo Maurer, who announced the winning design, noted that “It’s an incredible achievement – the studies he undertook, his enthusiasm for the material, his persistence in following his vision, and, of course, the shape. It’s a very nice product. I would like to have one.”

Whorl Console by Neal Aronowitz

Crédit photo : Miroslav Trifonov

The innovative console table is made of Concrete Canvas, a patented concrete-impregnated fabric rarely used in furniture design.

Concrete Canvas is a new material that allows concrete to be used in radically innovative ways. The flexible, concrete-impregnated fabric hardens on hydration to form a thin, durable, waterproof and fire-resistant concrete layer – in essence, it is concrete cloth on a roll. It has been used to make rapidly deployable shelters, particularly in disaster-relief situations, as well as for erosion control and ditch lining. It reduces the environmental impact of concrete applications by up to 95%.

The idea behind the Whorl series was to make a handcrafted piece that has presence as both sculpture and as functional furniture. Aronowitz saw an opportunity, as he says, to “explore the material’s unique structural properties to express a fluid form, in contrast to the dense and heavy associations that we have with concrete.”

Specialized casting techniques were developed to make Whorl Console

Crédit photo : Kerry Davis Photography

The challenge in the design and construction of this series was to stretch the tensile strength of the material to its limits for aesthetic beauty and interest, seemingly defying gravity. At the same time, each piece needs to maintain its structural integrity as a utilitarian object intended for everyday use.

Aronowitz developed new casting and forming techniques to achieve the table’s ribbon-like structure. The surface consists of pigmented cement mortar lightly skim-coated over the entire surface and sanded to a very smooth, highly polished finish.

Product Data

Whorl Console

July 2017

Designed and fabricated by Neal Aronowitz Studio.

Concrete Canvas Series. Open edition.

Materials: Concrete Canvas, cement mortar, custom cement pigments.

Dimensions: 63” long x 17” wide x 30” high; 170 cm long x 43 cm wide x 76 cm high. Size can be modified.

Weight: Approximately 150 lbs

About Neal Aronowitz

Neal Aronowitz is a Brooklyn native who now lives in Portland, Oregon. In 2015 he opened his studio, devoted to creating bespoke sculptural furniture and lighting.

The Whorl Table, a coffee table in the Whorl Concrete Canvas Series, won the 2017 Azure Magazine People’s Choice Award for Furniture and Lighting.

His first lighting design, the Boro Boro Chandelier, was a runner-up at the 2016 LAMP International Lighting Competition.

www.nealaronowitz.com

Product Design Days 2012, Chennai, India & I Design Awards 2012-2013

PDD - Product Design Days 2012 & I Design Awards 2012-2013Chennai Convention Centre, India
22 & 23 November 2012

I Design Award Icon

PRODUCT DESIGN DAYS 2012 in India is a platform created for indian small and medium business (SMB) to interact and forge business relationship with design service providers. PDD 2012 is an avenue for SMBs to get an insight on the advantages of integrating design in their businesses, thereby empowering them to compete in the global market. The conference attempts to educate them in the processes and modalities of design development and design management. It is an arena where small & medium business houses can educate themselves with the intricacies and nuances of incorporating product design as a part of their manufacturing process, including how to approach and brief a design firm and plan the early stages of the product design development. Apart from the conference and exhibition, Product Design Days 2012 provides end to end design solutions for SMBs covering the entire spectrum of the product design portfolio.

CHENNAI’S PRODUCT DESIGN DAYS 2012 HIGHLIGHTS

- Interesting Product and industrial design event in India
- Over 600 Pre-registered delegates from the Indian manufacturing industry
- 15 National and International speakers,
- 25 Design firms and allied industries exhibiting
- 16 International award-winning products on display,
- Design gallery with over 200 international award winning designs
- Daily conferences featuring eminent national and international speakers
- An exhibition showcasing Indian and International design firms and allied industries

I DESIGN AWARDS 2012-2013 WINNERS

The successful first edition of the I Design Awards has declared 39 winners from over 300 submissions selected by jury panel.

Packaging Design: Nikhil Autade - Hardik Gandhi for Godrej Consumer Products Ltd
Lighting Design: Sudhanwa Chavan - Abhijit Bansod for Bpl Technovision Pvt Ltd, Bangalore - Bambooed India for Bambooed
Electronic Equipment Design: Mohit Yadav - Rishabh Bhardwaj - Manojkumar A G for Lumium Innovations (2 products design awarded) - Chandrashekhar Nadgouda for Trane
Electrical Household Devices Design: Sanbid Golui for Designlipi Projects Private Ltd - Sharanya Nair - Sharma Vipul - Chandrashekhar Nadgouda for Trane - Shilpa Marathe
Home and Office Equipment Design: Uttam Banerjee
Public and Outdoor Products Design: Himanshu Goyal
Home Furniture Design: Parin Sanghvi - Hardik Gandhi for Designgandhi
Decorative Items and Culinaryware Design: Vidhi Goel for Tupperware Brands, Slabs - Swati Gakkher For Arttdinox for Arttdinox
Office Furniture Design: Rahul Deshpande for Wipro Ltd-Wipro Furniture Business - Anindya Dasgupta, also for Wipro Furniture Business
Personal Products and Accessories Design: Ankit Vyas for Wellcrow Photogears Pvt. Ltd
Medical Equipment and Devices Design: Sharanya Nair - Malav Sanghvi - Nikhil Autade - Manojkumar A G for Lumium Innovations
Transportation and Mobility Design: Tilak Deepak Roy for Tdr Groups - Riten Gojiya - Susovan Mazumder - Riten Gojiya - Sarwar Sayeed - Raunaq Babbar - Riten Gojiya
Building Components and Sanitaryware Design: Manojna Bellur
Capital Goods Design: Kunal Ghate for Forbes Marshall Pvt. Ltd
Prosumer Products and Tools Design: Desmania Design Pvt. Ltd for Cst
Recreational Products Design: Sarang Kusale

Here are some pictures of awarded products design. All photos and images of this post are courtesy of the designers, brands/clients, I Design Award & Unitech Exhibitions Private Limited, Chennai.

Plug-in Camera Case by Ankit Vyas

I Design Award Winner in Personal Products and Accessories Design Category, 2012-2013

Plug-in Camera and Lenses Case Design by ANKIT VYAS

Plug-in Camera and Lenses Case Design by ANKIT VYAS

Ankit Vyas, the project leader of the awarded design Plug-in says “Plug-in is the safest camera/lens case available so far. It is the only soft case which can withstand load up to 100 kg and protects equipment against severe jerks and drops from up to 1 m. This is why with Plug-in, taking care of your DSLR is not a hassle anymore. In addition, due to its slim shape any type of existing bag can be used as a camera bag with Plug-in fitted in. Using the removable strap your Plug-in is also a standalone camera bag which can be carried in two different ways. Its waist bag configuration has a unique usage as a protective lens changer for professional photographers.”

Plug-in Camera and Lenses Case Design by ANKIT VYAS

This photographic case was previously exhibited in Gujarat Photo Video Trade Fair in August-September, 2012. It was made by Wellcrow Photogears Pvt. Ltd, a start-up by two photography enthusiasts: Ankit Vyas and Shaival Desai.

Munch Cafe Chair by Rahul Deshpande

I Design Award Winner in Office Furniture Design Category, 2012-2013

Munch Cafe Chair Design by RAHUL DESHPANDE

Munch Cafe Chair Design by RAHUL DESHPANDE

Rahul Deshpande, the project leader of the winning design Munch explains “Most uniquness of the design is its form which helps in 1. keeping/hanging the tiffinbag/handbag/purse temporarily on the nothc in the back rest, making user feel relaxed while eating & 2. the nothches give a firm grip (essentially with both hands) ensuring the housekeeping is handling the chair easily wihtout any stress on their back. It aslo gives a stackable solution. The mat laminate finish not only gives vibrant colours but also provides a comfortable seating grip & also makes the chair maintainence friendly & hygninic.”

Connect retractable tandem bicycle by Susovan Mazumder

I Design Award Winner in Transportation and Mobility Design Category, 2012-2013

Connect Bicycle Design by SUSOVAN MAZUMDER

Connect Bicycle Design by SUSOVAN MAZUMDER

Susovan Mazumder, the designer of the awarded project Connect demonstrates “Connect is a retractable tandem bicycle which can be ridden solo as well as by two riders. It uses a retractable frame with integrated shaft dive system for engaging and disengaging the secondary pedal to the drive system. it uses simplistic design approach matched with contemporary colors to give a feel of a futuristic and fun city bicycle.”

Numnum a Playful Spoon For Child (2-5 Years Old) by Sarang Kusale
I Design Award Winner in Recreational Products Design Category, 2012-2013

Numnum Design by SARANG KUSALE

Numnum Design by SARANG KUSALE

Sarang Kusale, the designer of the awarded design Numnum explains “Children of age two to five years like to play always. This element of playfulness can be effectively used to make a monotonous task enjoyable. This spoon encourage the child to eat with his/her own hands, the multiform nature of spoon provides flexibility and encourage to play and eat. To hold the spoon the child can use power grip position, and it will improve the motor movement skills. The perceived multi-form and multi-hold nature of spoons boosts the imagination of child and he/she will think loud and tell different stories. ”

Product Design Days 2012 and I Design Awards 2012-2013 are organised by Chennai based Unitech Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and managed by Geo & Nobi Events and Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. "This event will help expedite the process of Indian SMBs venturing into Research, Product engineering and Design rather than business houses blindly copying successful product ideas," said Augustine Kurian, MD, Geo & Nobi Events and Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. "We have consciously kept this event as a "no-frills" Manufacturer/Designer meet rather than a forum to discuss Design at a very intellectual level," he added. Unni Tharakan, MD, Unitech Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. said, "The concept of design as a marketing tool will excite the Indian SMBs and is sure to set the ball rolling for indigenous and innovative products meeting international standards."

Established in August 2001, Unitech Exhibitions Private Limited (UEPL) specialises in trade fairs for businesses in niche industrial segments. UEPL has handled trade shows such as Analysis India, EEWAC, Hotel & Restaurant Tech, Bottled Water India, Post Harvest, Business Park, Roof India, Hand Tools & Fastener Expo and third party events like PU Tech 2005 to 2011, Weld India 2005 to 2011.

Unitech Exhibitions Private Limited -UEPL

338, 1st Main Road, Nehru Nagar Indl Estate, OMR, Chennai 600096, INDIA

www.unitechexhibitions.com

Product Design Days' Website: http://productdesigndays.com

I Design Awards' Website: www.idesignawards.in

Chennai Convention Centre is located at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai - India

Kodak awarded for Playsport video camera and Pulse digital frame

Kodak has earned two Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards for the KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera and the KODAK PULSE Digital Frame. In addition, the KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera received a Best of Innovations Award. The awards were recently announced by the International Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and selected by a panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and journalists.

 

KODAK PLAYSPORT VIDEO CAMERA / Photo © Kodak

 

A rugged, durable, waterproof (up to 10 ft. / 3 m) and pocket-size HD video camera with an appetite for adventure, the KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera was honored as an Innovations Award and Best of Innovations award winner in the Digital Imaging category. The Best of Innovations honor is given exclusively to products that receive the top score in their category. The KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera features full 1080p HD video and 5 MP still capture, electronic image stabilization, and built-in software and USB cable output so consumers can edit and easily share their videos on sites including YOUTUBE and FACEBOOK.

The 10-inch KODAK PULSE Digital Frame was also honored as an Innovations Award winner in the Digital Imaging category. The KODAK PULSE Frame features Wi-Fi connectivity and a customizable email address so pictures can be emailed directly to the frame. It also connects to FACEBOOK and KODAK Gallery sites, offers easy set-up with no software to install, has an intuitive touchscreen interface, and is ENERGY STAR qualified. The PULSE Frame makes it easy for consumers to keep their frames fresh with new pictures and share life's moments with family and friends.

The KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera and KODAK PULSE Digital Frame will be displayed at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 6-9, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Nikon D3 Digital SLR Camera IF Product Design Award 2009

The Nikon D3 digital SLR camera is the recipient of Germany's International Forum Design's Product Design Award. This award is presented annually by International Forum Design GmbH, sponsor of the globally prominent industrial design awards.

The International Forum Design (iF), based in Hannover Germany, has sponsored the iF Product Design Awards since 1953, selecting industrial products exhibiting superior design from those manufactured the world over, making them highly prestigious and globally respected awards. Aspects including quality of design, functionality, degree of innovation, ease of use, as well as any effects the product may have on the environment are considered with product evaluation and award selection.

The D3 is Nikon's flagship FX-format digital SLR camera, the first FX-format model released by Nikon. In designing the D3, Nikon first asked premier industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, to present a design exhibiting form and value immediately recognizable by anyone who sees it. Next, Nikon in-house design team thoroughly examined each individual component to achieve a more ergonomic and refined form based on Mr.Giugiaro's original design. Nikon primary design goal was an intuitive design offering operation that supports accurate and comfortable shooting under any circumstance with a high-quality and attractive look. The D3 has been extremely well received by professional photographers, primarily sports and press photographers, since its release in November 2007.

http://www.nikon.com/

Logo (c) International Forum Design GmbH,All rights reserved. Photo of the D3 (c) Nikon, All rights reserved.

iF concept award 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Hannover, July 23, 2008

iF concept award 2009 – the international competition for up-and-coming talent is launched

Starting immediately, students in the fields of design, architecture, marketing and engineering from all over the world are invited to submit their innovative, trend-setting ideas and concepts in the competition for an iF concept award 2009.

Entries in six categories can be submitted free of charge in this international competition for new talent up until January 5, 2009. The event is organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH, Hannover, on an annual basis:

1. time to market

2. industrial design

3. fashion

4. communication design / multimedia design

5. architecture / interior design

6. universal design

The projects entered must not be more than two years old and must have been completed during the student's study time. Entries can be made by individuals as well as by groups. Young professionals are invited to participate up to two years after having completed their degree.

An independent, international jury of experts will select the "Best 100" of all the entries in an open session during the CeBIT Show on March 3, 2009. Outstanding entries will be rewarded with prize monies totalling € 30,000, provided, among others, by GOLD Sponsor Samsung Electronics (Seoul).

The outstanding up-and-coming designers will be officially honoured at the "design: driving innovation" special display booth on CeBIT Saturday, March 7, 2009. All the entries will also be on display there for the duration of the CeBIT Show.

Projects can be registered for the iF concept award 2009 free of charge starting immediately at http://www.ifdesign.de/ (Awards and Projects).

Design Award for Technical Lenses from Carl Zeiss

Optics for industrial applications from Carl Zeiss have received an award for their outstanding design: the Visionmes® technical lenses. The "iF Industrie Forum Design“ has honored the Visionmes lenses in this year’s iF Product Design Award.

Visionmes lenses are developed for measuring tasks in industry and feature telecentric optics. This means that the ray paths run parallel in the imaging system – an important requirement for highly precise measurements. This results in distortion-free image formation over the entire object field. Even shapes with unfavorable geometries can be exactly imaged without any need for software correction of the measured results.

A characteristic feature of the lenses is the conical shape of the tube, whose bright, matt metal surface impressively underscores the contouring. The design was created by the Henssler & Schultheiss design office in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. “The primary element of the concept is its clear design vocabulary with exactly defined details” explains Martin Schultheiss, Managing Director of the design office. Therefore, the striking appearance of the Visionmes product family immediately echoes the high quality of the lenses.

Dr. Winfried Scherle, Vice President of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss, sees the award as a confirmation of the company’s strategy. “In product design we also devote our attention to details which the user may not consciously notice at first sight. In the VISIONMES lenses, however, the impressive design directly conveys the message that this is a long-lasting, high-quality product.”

www.carlzeiss.com

Photo: Telecentric Visionmes lenses from Carl Zeiss - (c) Carl Zeiss - All rights reserved