Baden-Württemberg International Design Award 2008
Venue:
Ludwigsburg
Werkzentrum Weststadt
Rheinlandstrasse 10
In 2008, the Design Center Stuttgart called for entries for the Baden-Württemberg International Design Award, which this time focused on the “green” topic. For designers and businesspersons alike, the competition’s unique character was once again a special challenge. The products entered had to satisfy the demand for top-notch design quality, and at the same time meet the relevant criteria for assessing their environmental friendliness. With Focus Green, the Design Center Stuttgart has taken up one of the megatrends of the moment, since market demand for green products is constantly increasing.
Awards
Businesspersons and designers from inside and outside Germany submitted a total of 230 products to compete for Focus Green. The products were grouped into 12 categories for the critical assessment of the panel of judges. The six judges selected a total of 66 award-winners. Fifty-five products were awarded the “Focus in Silver” for excellent design work. The supreme “Focus in Gold” award went to a further eleven products. This was first time the “Focus in Gold” could be awarded to so many products – a gratifying sign of the high standard of the products entered
Judges panel
In 2008, all the products entered were assessed in a two-day judging session by the following experts:
- Roland Heiler, Porsche Design, Austria
- Nicola Stattmann, Büro Nicola Stattmann, Germany
- Alex Terzariol, MM Design, Italy
- Ursula Tischner, econcept, Germany
- Andrew Wong, frog design, Germany
- Martin Zentner, Konradin Medien Group, Germany
Every year, the Focus competitions are characterized by a high level of objectivity and credibility. For example, almost all the entries for Focus Green were assessed in the original. Only especially bulky products and capital goods were presented as photographs. No products in which the judges were involved were allowed to be entered for the competition.
Categories and criteria
The “Focus in Gold” could only be awarded once in each of the twelve categories in which the products were assessed:
industry and trade, architecture and public space, energy and installations technology, lighting, medicine and rehabilitation, household appliances, kitchens, interiors, contract furniture, communication, and leisure and outdoor activities.
Apart from classic design criteria such as design criteria, innovative content, ergonomics, function and emotional appeal, ecological criteria played the main role. These included the efficient use of materials and energy, repair considerations, disassembly and the possibility of recycling and, as the most important criteria, formal longevity as a way of prolonging service life.
Benefit for award-winners
This non-commercial competition with its favourable entry fees also allows smaller and younger companies to measure themselves and their products on an international level. The benefit for the award-winners is especially evident in their marketing communication: the “Focus in Gold” and “Focus in Silver” labels are seals of quality and popular product hallmarks. In addition, the formal award-giving ceremony, the exhibition lasting several weeks on the attractive premises of Ludwigsburg’s “Werkzentrum Weststadt”, as well as the presentation of the products in the internet and their publication in the yearbook, which is distributed worldwide, help generate public attention and awareness.
Focus in Gold
Sonic TC™ – Acoustic materials testing unit
Industry and trade
Manufacturer
RTE Akustik + Prüftechnik GmbH D-76327 Pfinztal/Karlsruhe www.rte.deDesigner
bgp-design Knut Braake, Stefan Grobe D-70563 Stuttgart www.bgp-design.comDistributor
RTE Akustik + Prüftechnik GmbH D-76327 Pfinztal/Karlsruhe www.rte.deThe Sonic TCTM unit uses a completely new, revolutionary testing technology. Where time and energy-intensive processes were once necessary, it makes do with a brief mechanical pulse. Moreover, it works non-destructively and in a resource-conserving way, without the need for chemicals or energy-intensive X-ray technology.
As they pass along the belt, brake disks, cast parts or even ceramic products are vibrated. A high-performance microphone records the sound they make, and a testing computer automatically evaluates this sound and compares it with reference parameters. Within just once second, the system delivers a detailed analysis of the quality of the test object.
Every hour, up to 4,500 parts can be tested on the fly directly on the conveyor belt – for structural faults, cracks or sink holes.
As the parts move on, the control unit can command that the parts are thrown out or marked as defective.
This compact, self-contained unit is made exclusively of sheet steel, which gives it the toughness and durability it needs in a rough production environment. Thanks to its flexibly designed structure, Sonic TCTM can be attached to a wide variety of conveyor belts with no need for any additional mechanical or electrical adjustment. This means that the unit can be used flexibly in different production processes, which in turn saves money.
Judges panel:
The use of sound waves for materials testing means that extremely energy-intensive X-ray technology can be avoided, as well as the use of chemicals. The use of a new technology conserves resources. It is good that testing can be done directly in the production process, and rejects can be spotted immediately. Production can then be modified accordingly.
GrüneWand® – Planted interior walls
Architecture and public space
Manufacturer
H+W Bewässerungs GmbH D-84364 Birnbach www.haering-gruenplan.deDesigner
Indoorlandscaping GmbH D-54295 Trier www.indoorlandscaping.comDistributor
Art Aqua GmbH & Co. D-74321 Bietigheim-Bissingen www.artaqua.deGrüne Wand® (literally “green wall”), a patented product solution, controls the indoor climate naturally, neutralizes noxious fumes (which humidifiers produce, for example), traps dust and saves energy.
In schemes to make rooms greener, plants are generally rooted at floor level and grow vertically upwards. In this solution, however, the plants are set in a vertical wall. This natural air-conditioning system is available in two versions: one mobile, the other fixed.
In the movable walls, which can be used as visual and acoustic room partitions, and which can be planted on both sides, the water tank is located in a stainless-steel container under the green wall. In the fixed wall, the tank is either stored away in the same way as in the mobile partition or in a utility room elsewhere in the building, which allows maintenance work to be carried out with less inconvenience.
A Grüne Wand® comprises a stainless-steel substructure and the robust vegetation panels, which are preplanted with ground-covering vegetation in a nursery 14 to 18 weeks before delivery. A time switch controls irrigation and evaporation, and thus also room humidity to a certain extent. If the green wall is no longer needed, it can simply be composted.
Judges panel:
This green wall is especially appealing because the garden has been transposed to the vertical plane, and allows large surfaces of green plants to be displayed inside buildings as well. An ecological as well as extremely aesthetic and charming product. Not only does it make sense health-wise, but it also plays a psychological role. It enhances the sense of well-being, cleans the air, reduces toxic fumes and promotes concentration.
850 kW – Wind turbine
Energy and installations technology
Manufacturer
Nordwind Energieanlagen GmbH D-17033 Neubrandenburg www.nordwind-energieanlagen.deDesigner
Schumann Büro für industrielle Formentwicklung D-48167 Münster www.schumanndesign.deDistributor
Nordwind Energieanlagen GmbH D-17033 Neubrandenburg www.nordwind-energieanlagen.deThis wind turbine has a completely new power transmission technology. Instead of conventional mechanical gears, a hydrostatic pump system now transmits power from the rotor blades to the units generating electricity. The system also supplies power to other functional components, such as the drives for turning the blades or nacelle.
This considerably reduces the number of both wear parts and energy consumers. In addition, it not only conserves resources and saves service costs, but also makes the technology easier to handle and quieter, while at the same time it increases the turbine’s efficiency. Thanks to its design, with just two rotor blades, the capital cost is considerably lower than for comparable systems, and this encourages the use of wind power.
The turbine’s formal expression communicates these innovative features to the observer. The turbine is more compact, for example, and harmonizes better with its surroundings. Compared with other turbines, which are very pragmatic and construction-centred, this wind turbine has a sculptural and emotional feel. This characteristic is common to all the turbines in the series, whatever their output and size. The atmospheric colour scheme blends with the colours of the sky, and causes turbine and sky to merge slightly.
Judges panel:
The striking thing about this wind turbine is that it has a new kind of gear unit based on hydraulic principles. This means it works much more efficiently and quietly, and needs less maintenance. In addition, the company has also considered aesthetic aspects, such as how the colour of the wind turbine can help it to harmonize better with its surroundings.
LED.next „Q64“ & „Q36“ – Ceiling light family
Lighting
Manufacturer
Nimbus Group GmbH D-70469 Stuttgart www.nimbus-group.comDesigner
Werksdesign Dietrich Brennenstuhl www.nimbus-group.comDistributor
Nimbus Group GmbH D-70469 Stuttgart www.nimbus-group.comThe aim was to create archetypes for the new LED.next technology. The technology, developed by Nimbus, not only conserves resources, but also uses between 50 and 90 percent less energy than conventional lights, and lasts roughly 25 times longer. And once their extremely long service life of roughly 50,000 hours is over, the lights are completely recyclable.
With this innovative technology, there is no longer any need to take account of the dimensions of components such as sockets or light bulbs, and so designers are completely free to create, resulting in a highly aesthetic, puristic design for the lights. Moreover, because the LEDs generate very little heat, they can be inserted into heat-sensitive materials that were previously unsuitable.
This extremely flat ceiling light, just 10 millimetres thick, comprises a precisely milled acrylic diffuser into which 36 or 64 conical holes have been drilled, and a printed circuit board into which smd LEDs have been inserted. This combination is absolutely new, and has been filed for patent. The ceiling lights work extremely simply on safety extra low voltage (24 volt), and reach maximum light output immediately after being switched on.
Judges panel:
LEDs are a source of lighting that saves electricity. This is a very aesthetic solution that integrates the LEDs in Plexiglas. The very thin light is practically mounted directly on the ceiling. An unassuming yet aesthetically sophisticated, energy-saving lighting solution.
e-motion – Auxiliary motor for manual wheelchairs
Medicine and rehabilitation
Manufacturer
Ulrich Alber GmbH D-74361 Albstadt www.alber.deDesigner
Einmaleins Büro für Gestaltung D-88483 Burgrieden www.einmaleins.netDistributor
Ulrich Alber GmbH D-74361 Albstadt www.alber.dee-motion is an ideal synthesis of advanced, economical and environmentally friendly rehabilitation technology, which allows wheelchair users an independent and active life. This electric auxiliary motor can be fitted to manual wheelchairs by integrating it in the wheel hub. It combines active mobility with therapeutic benefit. It supports the wheelchair user as he pushes the wheel forward. In this way, the user remains active, and trains his vital functions.
The overall design is geared to durability and re-use. As it uses a conventional full-floating axle and just a few mounting parts, the auxiliary motor can be combined with nearly every manual wheelchair, and adjusted quickly and cost-effectively to the new user and her wheelchair.
e-motion is designed in such a way that it can easily be broken down into its individual materials at the end of its useful life. No composite materials have been in its construction. All the plastic materials can be recycled. All the electronic components are lead-free, and thus environmentally friendly, and already comply with future standards. Thanks to an innovative winding technology, the motor contains only 35 percent as much copper as its predecessor model. e-motion is not only more efficient, but its rechargeable batteries last considerably longer, thanks to the completely new lithium-ion technology developed for this product area.
Judges panel:
An excellent product, because nearly every conventional wheelchair can be fitted with this unassuming, small electric motor. A good example of a product that grows with the user, of how to reduce the number of parts, components and products. And it looks good, too. Quality of life is enhanced, because the wheelchair-user can move around more easily. The user is still active, even though he may no longer be so strong.
Catering Kitchen – The mobile kitchen
Household appliances
Manufacturer
Eisfink Max Maier GmbH & Co. KG D-71636 Ludwigsburg www.eisfink.deDesigner
Pearl Creative GmbH Tim Storti, Christian Rummel, Max Maier D-71636 Ludwigsburg www.pearlcreative.comDistributor
Eisfink Max Maier GmbH & Co. KG D-71636 Ludwigsburg www.eisfink.deThe mobile kitchen can be used flexibly and in a variety of ways, from a stand-alone module to a complete kitchen. It can be assembled and disassembled very easily. All the parts are simply placed on top of each other and plugged together, with no need for screws or additional ties.
Thanks to the self-supporting food transport container, there was no need for any additional framework construction or furniture elements, and this reduces the use of materials to a minimum and conserves resources. In addition, only high-quality materials have been used, such as easily recyclable stainless steel and extremely tough plastic. They make the Catering Kitchen a sturdy, long-lasting system. This long-lasting quality is underlined by the timeless design, which is functional, aesthetic and unassuming.
With kitchen components made of Varithek®, Thermoplates® and Thermoport®, energy loss is minimized at every stage of food preparation. The Thermoplates® saucepans, made of patented Swissply®, a multilayer material that allows optimum transmission of heat, comply with the gastronorm standard. This revolutionizes the food flow: in one and the same vessel, food can be stored, cooled, cooked, grilled, transported, and served. There is no need to transfer the food to a new container, which reduces the need for cleaning. In the Thermoport® energy safe, food is efficiently kept hot or cold over a long period without the need for additional energy.
Judges panel:
Nicely designed. It is very unostentatious and well thought-through. Its modular construction makes sense, and then there is the ecological aspect of the sandwich material used, which is an especially good transmitter of heat and is very efficient. Very clever. Excellent.
Eva Solo – Grating bucket
Kitchen
Manufacturer
Eva Denmark A/S DK-2760 Måløv www.evasolo.comDesigner
Tools® Claus Jensen & Henrik Holbæk DK-2400 Kopenhagen NV www.toolsdesign.dkDistributor
Eva Denmark A/S DK-2760 Måløv www.evasolo.comThis grating bucket turns the conventional grater on its head, creating a completely new function. It combines two products in one. If carrots, cucumbers, apples or cheese are grated, the grated food, and any surplus liquid, falls into the bucket. Moreover, it is then much easier to transfer the contents to a bowl or saucepan.
The grating bucket replaces the bowls or plates that are needed with conventional graters. As a result, only the grating bucket has to be washed up – an ecological plus. The grating bucket is made of stainless steel, and is dishwasher-safe.
Judges panel:
Wonderful example of a tool that combines several things that are needed when working in the kitchen. The designer who made this did a very good job of observing, considering and analyzing. And when he had finished, he came up with a very clever, very simple solution. Design doesn’t come any better than this.
Emeco 20-06 Chair – Stackable chair
Interiors
Manufacturer
Emeco Hanover, PA 17331 USA www.emeco.netDesigner
Foster + Partners Ltd. GB-London SW11 4AN www.fosterandpartners.comDistributor
Möbelagentur Goeschen D-91058 Erlangen www.moebelagentur-goeschen.comThis chair combines advanced technology, original geometry, modern form, an eye for detail and sensitivity for ecological requirements with outstanding artisanal skill. The Emeco 20-06 is made of recycled aluminium, 80 percent of which is a mixture of post-consumer and post-industrial waste.
Although extremely light, it is very sturdy. Thanks to its unassuming, timeless form with its economical, seamless silhouette, it is long-lasting. It was modelled on the Navy® chair, which was made for submarines in the second world war. Emeco 20-06 embodies the essence of the Navy® Chair, but it has been given a more refined structure and modern air.
The ultra-thin frame is made of hardened aluminium. The ergonomically shaped seat and back are hand-welded. Although the lightweight chair is extremely sturdy, 15 percent less aluminium is used to make it than the original Navy® chair.
Emeco 20-06 comes with a 40-year guarantee, and an estimated service life of 150 years, just like the chair on which it was modelled. Ten chairs can easily be stacked on top of each other.
Judges panel:
A re-issue of a design classic, using less material and recycled materials – wonderful. A good example, because the thickness of the walls has truly been reduced to a minimum here, and the material used – aluminium – conveys a feeling of lightness. Very high-quality workmanship, all the welds have been ground smooth: a beautiful object.
Think – Office chair
Contract furniture
Manufacturer
Steelcase Werndl AG D-83026 Rosenheim www.steelcase-werndl.deDesigner
Glen Oliver Löw Industrial Design D-20249 Hamburg www.glenoliverloew.deDistributor
Steelcase Werndl AG D-83026 Rosenheim www.steelcase-werndl.deWhen developing Think, a life-cycle analysis (LCA-ISO 14044) was done to calculate and reduce the environmental impact of every phase of the product life-cycle – from extraction and production of raw materials, via production, transport and use, to recycling and disposal. This allowed a truly sustainable product to be designed.
It is not only made of materials that are 44 percent recycled, but at the end of its useful life it can also be broken down extremely easily into its component materials, which themselves can then be 99 percent recycled. To keep transport to a minimum, the chairs are produced in the proximity of their customers, in Europe, Asia and North America. Only environmentally friendly materials have been used. The chair has been designed in such a way that waste, energy consumption and environmental impact are minimized. This makes Think, for which an environmental product declaration (EPD) has been drawn up, an environmentally friendly product throughout its entire life cycle.
But Think also does just that. It adapts intuitively to the body and its movements. Its back rest provides support to match the user’s body weight and preferred work style. Its operating elements are simple to use. Its Mein KomfortTM control, for example, offers four settings for the amount of give in the back rest.
Judges panel:
A well designed office chair that consistently adheres to the “from the cradle to the grave” principle. It can be completely knocked down, and all its parts are recyclable. The surfaces have not been treated. Instead, the aluminium has just been polished. The chair is produced where the customers are, which keeps transport distances down. A thoroughly ecological product.
Growing Table® – Height-adjustable children’s desk and bench
Communication
Manufacturer
Pure Position D-60327 Frankfurt www.growingtable.dewww.pureposition.de
Designer
Werksdesign Olaf Schroeder www.growingtable.deDistributor
Pure Position D-60327 Frankfurt www.growingtable.deThe desk, stool and bench legs can be adjusted to four different heights, thanks to an uncomplicated screw mechanism comprising just three parts. The furniture set grows as the children grow, and can be used from the age of two until adolescence. It is not only this long period of use that makes it sustainable. The way it is put together, which is reminiscent of historical, sturdy rustic furniture, and its plain, unassuming design give a visual impression of longevity.
The 25 millimetre thick desk top is supported by chunky, slightly diagonal legs made of solid, locally grown beech. This makes the furniture very sturdy, and gives it its typical pleasant appearance. The desktop and seat surfaces for the bench and stool are made of transparent varnished multiplex beech, either natural or stained. Rows of holes have been drilled into the desk, into which the child can plug a book shelf, book rest, note box and pencil box as desired, and in this way keep the desk tidy. For creative activities, either alone or with others, there is an integrated roll of drawing paper.
The “growing table” is made exclusively in Germany, in a disabled persons’ workshop. All the parts are produced, put together and dispatched here. Even the print products that are needed for the desk are made in the manufacturer’s own print shop. This results in a high degree of manufacturing depth, which saves transport and resources.
Judges panel:
The ideal solution for a child. The system with the legs is interesting. Desk, bench and stool grow with the child, and so can be used for a long time. A very simple, honest product. Very good idea: the various accessories that can be inserted into the desktop.
Eva Solo – Thermo Water Flask
Leisure and outdoor
Manufacturer
Eva Denmark A/S DK-2760 Måløv www.evasolo.comDesigner
Tools® Claus Jensen & Henrik Holbæk DK-2400 Kopenhagen NV www.toolsdesign.dkDistributor
Eva Denmark A/S DK-2760 Måløv www.evasolo.comThe water flask can be filled with cold water and taken on trips or journeys, for example. Thanks to a strap integrated in the lid, the flask can comfortably be carried around the wrist. And so a cool, refreshing drink is always available when you’re on the move.
The idea behind the Thermo water flask is to do without plastic water bottles wherever possible. Moreover, because it is kept cool in the flask, the water does not constantly have to be re-cooled. The waste of drinking water is reduced, because the water is kept fresh in the flask.
The flask is made of double-walled stainless steel, making it a true thermo flask. It is dishwasher-safe: only the screw lid and strap have to be washed by hand.
Judges panel:
Very elegant alternative to the plastic bottle. Perhaps it will also result in people buying less water in plastic bottles and taking it with them direct from the tap instead. Beautiful interpretation of a bottle, clear form. Things don’t come simpler than this. And a long-lasting material – stainless steel.
