Aussies trumped design awards
Top prizes for Aussie designers at the 2013 Australian International Design Awards confirm Australia as a global pioneer in high quality, technical and low volume speciality products.
This year the ceremony, held as part of Vivid Sydney and presented by Good Design Australia, saw 66 Australian and international products presented with a coveted Design Award, celebrating their excellence in innovation and design.
Out of the 250 entries across a spectrum of fields, the Australian Blackmagic Cinema Camera stole the highest title, Design of the Year, with Aussies continuing to excel in the Best of Category awards.
“Seven out of the 12 products nominated for the top prize were designed in Australia, which is a great result for local designers and innovators,” says Brandon Gien, managing director of Good Design Australia and chair of the awards.
“We also noticed a trend towards high quality, highly technical products, usually with low production volumes, coming from Australian Designers.
”This is a positive indication that local design firms and manufacturers consider design to be an important value-add in a product’s development cycle.”
Among the many celebrated designs were new home, furniture and architecture innovations.
The Tractile Roofing System from Tractile Pty Ltd won both the Sustainability and Best in Hardware and Building Award. The Queensland design incorporates a simple interlocking system with aesthetically pleasing solar panels, a stylish alternative to concrete roof tiles and existing solar panels.
The judges were impressed with the design’s performance, ease of installation, sustainability and affordability, deeming it a “simple, effective design that will offer a significant benefit to builders and homeowners. A great example of design that can make a positive impact on our environment”.
There were winning and original designs for inside the home, too.
The Scald Guard Mixer Tap by Lindoni impressed the panel through its innovative solution to burns among young children. Sleek, stylish and safe, the Scald Guard Mixer Tap automatically returns to the cold position after use. As the judges commented: “good design always starts with a problem”.
In the same vein of faucet design, Dyson’s Airblade Tap hand dryer was also recognised as taking innovative steps forward. Using infrared sensors, integrated circuitry and the latest Dyson digital motor, the tap allows users to both wash and dry their hands in 12 seconds without leaving the sink. The compact and sleek design is a fast, environmental and affordable bathroom solution.
Some designs went beyond the home to set a new benchmark in offices as well.
The Herman Miller freestanding and flexible Arras Spine won best in the category of furniture and lighting. The modular system hinges different furnishings, accessories and screens onto a single communal channel. With clean lines, a sleek finish and adjustable components, the Arras Spine works to foster a versatile and communal working space.
Judging for the awards took place in May with six panels of local and international design experts evaluating each entry on form, function, quality, safety, sustainability, commerciality and innovation.
Winners were announced by the NSW Premier and Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose on Thursday, May 30, as part of the wider Australian International Design Festival.
For more information visit gooddesignaustralia.com/awards
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