Australia’s hottest young and emerging design talent converged from across the country to celebrate 10 years of VIVID – Vibrant Visions in Design at this year’s Furnitex and co-located Decoration + Design.
Over a 100 of the best products in categories, student, concept and commercial along with a fourth award for the most sustainable product, were showcased at the recent trade event ensuring it was the biggest and most exciting drawcard of the fair, pulsing with creative energy and talent.
There was a definite ‘lightness of being’ theme among the VIVID finalist designs this year. Clean lines, airiness, a touch of playfulness, refined execution, all very fitting for celebrating 10 years.
A huge congratulations goes out to all the winners. Overall we had 53 designers with 62 products vying for the awards with a prestigious international judging panel that included;
• London Design Festival curator, furniture designer and author, Ms Suzanne Trocme
• International trend forecaster and stylist, Ms Milou Ket
• Style director at Australian House & Garden, Ms Janet James
• Melbourne furniture designer and also previous VIVID participant, Mr Justin Hutchinson of Justin Hutchinson Design
So it is with great pleasure we highlight the VIVID 2012 winning line-up;
Winner VIVID Student Award – Tryst Stool designed by Tate Anson, RMIT
Designer Profile: Tate Anson recently graduated from RMIT Industrial Design, receiving the 2012 Graduate of the Year Award. Tate exhibited in April 2012 at the Milan International Furniture Fair, showcasing his stretched timber products with Melbourne Movement.
Product Description: This stool capitalises on the elegance and strength of timber to achieve a delicate yet durable product – marrying modern machining and traditional wood craft. European beech.
Inspiration: Material exploration.
This category was particularly difficult to judge with a high number of contenders with products ready at commercial standard.
Short-listed for the award were also: Ash Allen with Arc Chair, Bradley Prestipino with Kite Table, Callum Campbell with Holiday Table and Dusko Lapcevic with Iris Lighting Range
Winner VIVID Concept Award – Unfold Desk designed by David Hardwick, Hardwick + Cesko
Designer Profile: Having graduated with a design degree from UNSW David has worked in the furniture industry for over 12 years before launching out on his own in 2010. David believes the best design challenges people’s perceptions and is made to last a lifetime.
Product Description: A laptop/tablet workstation with concealed desktop which opens to expanded workspace with built-in speakers, cable management and storage. Bamboo board, aluminium + mild steel.
Inspiration: A percieved gap in the market place.
Short-listed for the award was also: Barry Magazinovic with Obelia Light
Winner VIVID Commercial Award – Popper Pendents Light designed by André Hnatojko, RMIT
Designer Profile: André Hnatojko is fascinated with the way things work and how they are made. Studying design at RMIT university and business/entrepreneurship, his aim is to find new explorations within the world of design, eager to experiment and create with the unknown.
Product Description: POPPER PENDENTS’ are made from a single ‘convertible’ mould – this increases efficiency, reduces waste and allows for savings to be passed onto customers. Made from recycled aluminium (up to 40%) this conscious design is coated in paint which wont effect the re-recyclig & is designed to hide the ugly transformers of florescent bulbs. Recyled aluminium, bio power coat & lighting components.
Inspiration: Like a party popper, this light explodes where you point it.
Short-listed for the award were also: Edward Linacre with Weave Pendants and Damien Hipwell with Woodstock Table
Winner VIVID Green Award – Sticks and Stone Stool designed by Ash Allen, RMIT
Designer Profile: Ash Allen is a mechanical engineer studying furniture design at RMIT. Inspired by natural forces, eye-catching similicity and sustainability are fundamentals in his design philosophy.
Product Description: A contemporary stool for indoor / outdoor use, designed for disassembly + flat packing. No glue is used in the joinery. Salvaged Tasmanian Oak dowel + recycled rubber tire crumb.
Inspiration: A stone skipping on water.
Short-listed for the award were also: Dale Hardiman with Klag Chair, Edward Linacre with Weave Pendants and Mart Hughes with Syntax Clock
