Baden-Württemberg International Design Award 2005
Without doubt, the extraordinarily high standard of the products submitted to Focus Know-how this year was a reflection of the competition’s theme. With the products they submitted, designers and manufacturers provided evidence of their masterful skills in translating into product design their long-standing experience couple with profound knowledge of the latest technical processes and materials.
Some 150 designers and roughly as many companies were involved in the development of the 317 products submitted, which competed in thirteen different categories for the much sought-after “Focus in Silver” and “Focus in Gold” awards. After deliberating for two days, the judges unanimously awarded the “Focus in Silver” for excellent design quality 74 times. This year, a further eight products have been given the “Focus in Gold”, and thus belong to the “best of the best”.
What makes the Baden-Württemberg International Design Award so special is the way it changes its topic, or “focus”, every year. Respectability and fairness when assessing the products are equally important factors for the Design Center Stuttgart, however. This means that any products in whose development the judges were involved are excluded from competing. Moreover, the relatively low fee charged for entering the competition, which is sponsored by the State of Baden-Württemberg, allows young and small companies to test their design prowess against the “big names” of their industry.
The “Focus in Silver” and “Focus in Gold” awards were conferred in thirteen different categories, evidencing the broad scope of the “Focus Know-how” topic.
The judges were:
Maria Widell Christiansen, Göteborg
Roberto Fraquelli, Capton Dartmouth
Alexandru Ghildus, Bucharest
Henning Horn, Stuttgart
Stefan Lippert, Stuttgart
Britta Pukall, Zurich
From all the award-winning products, the judges finally selected eight products whose exceptionally high design quality qualified them for the “Focus in Gold”.
“Schneidestar” secateurs
Fiskars Brands Finland Oy Ab
Olavi Lindén
Markus Paloheimo Distributor
Fiskars Brands Germany GmbH
D-32051 Herford
With normal secateurs it is difficult to get at wood right in the centre of a bush while at the same time still having enough cutting power – when pruning apple trees or currant bushes, for example. Loppers cannot solve this problem either, as their handles open out too wide. The innovative “Schneidestar” secateurs, by contrast, allow cutting to be done comfortably and without stretching, even where the wood is hard to get at. It can be operated easily, either with one hand or two. This is especially an advantage if thicker braches have to be pruned. It also makes sense to use both hands for pruning when doing work that is easier but lasts for longer periods, as work is then less strenuous and ligament strain is prevented.
The “Schneidestar” secateurs are also fitted with a power-lever mechanism, which again makes work easier by placing less strain on arm and finger muscles. The light material – polyamide-reinforced fibre glass – used in the handles also plays a role here. The blades are made of high-quality stainless steel. The secateurs are available in two sizes: 630 and 400 mm.
Jury / Judges panel
Perfectly thought-through solution with handles that can be gripped in different ways, self-explanatory product. Attractive and amusing design, reminiscent of a bird’s head, possesses character. Very good idea of allowing work with one hand, or both hands if extra help is needed. Excellently practical, even for people who are not so strong. You can also learn something from this problem – about mechanics, for example. Not just a really useful garden tool, but also an instructive kind of tool.
“Khargo” mobile companion for senior citizens
geriatric medicine Manufacturer
Dr. Momo / Morath Mobil
D-78054 Villingen-Schwenningen
www.khargo.de
f.morath@morathmobil.de Design
Dirk Mensen
D-51063 Köln
www.dirkmensen.de
dirk.mensen@gmx.de Distributor
Russka – Ludwig Bertram GmbH
D-30880 Laatzen
A conventional zimmer frame often creates an impression of infirmity. That is something that neither the elderly nor younger people want. For this reason, they often start using walking aids too late.
Instead of stigmatizing, “Khargo” promotes social integration. Its patented turn-lock fastener means it looks more like a pushchair than a walking aid. And this distinction is lost completely if a child is taken for a walk in one. Anyone who is still capable of driving will use “Khargo” as a fold-down, convenient shopping companion, with plenty of room for shopping: a fashionable bag for personal effects, a baggage net for bulkier objects, and an additional basket. And while waiting in the checkout queue, the soft seat and upholstered arms offer the chance of a welcome break. Anyone who is barely able to walk will use it solely as a light (it weighs just eight kilos) and easy-to-manoeuvre walking aid. The reliable dual brake system is easy to apply, and an additional parking brake that can be applied at the touch of a finger gives firm support. The large wheels with their non-puncture EVA tyres mean that “Khargo” will roll softly and safely over uneven ground and kerbs. The handles can be adjusted for body heights between 1.55 and 1.95 metres.
Jury / Judges panel
Engineering-wise, very well thought out in its details. A product that offers the elderly both more functions and extremely intelligent functions, as well as catering to their psychological needs. Makes a far less stigmatizing impression than comparable products. Although only a prototype, the workmanship is very good down to the last detail, and its colour scheme is attractive.
Tischleuchte “Bill” table lamp
Tobias Grau GmbH
D-25462 Rellingen
www.tobias-grau.com
info@tobias-grau.com Design
Tobias Grau GmbH
D-25462 Rellingen
www.tobias-grau.com
info@tobias-grau.com Distributor
Tobias Grau GmbH
D-25462 Rellingen
This timeless and elegant desk lamp is a classic double-armed articulated lamp, which stands out by virtue of its minimized formal expression and understated design.
It is available in two variants: as a high-voltage halogen lamp, with a round head, and as an energy-saving lamp with an oblong head. It can be used in many different ways: not only as a table or standard lamp, but also as a clamp spotlight or wall light. The spring mechanism is concealed in the aluminium housing.
The on/off switch mounted directly on the lamp grip is “Bill’s” conspicuous hallmark. The lamp head can be adjusted to the user’s needs. As it is mounted in a ball-and-socket joint, it can be turned easily in any direction. The lamp grip can be moved from the left to the right in a thrice. This means that it can be positioned anywhere on the desk, and that the lamp can be used both by left-handed and right-handed people.
Jury / Judges panel
Convincing, clear design, which is strictly guided by ideas of functionality. On remarkable feature is the grip, which makes adjusting the lamp easier, does not get hot, and which also houses the on/off switch – a detail which is often neglected in many lamps. A lamp that uses state-of-the-art technology, and a valuable addition to many a professional workplace.
Themen-Caddys “DO IT team office” theme-based caddies
business environment Manufacturer
König + Neurath AG
D-61184 Karben
www.koenig-neurath.de
info@koenig-neurath.de Design
Werksdesign
Cornelius Müller-Schellhorn Distributor
König + Neurath AG
D-61184 Karben
With their soft-running casters, these caddies provide mobile storage space wherever it is needed. The innovative principle used in their design allows them to be opened and folded out to form complete sideboards in just one movement. While the carcass, which is available in various colours, is uniform on the outside, its interior varies according to three themes:
the “Working Caddy”, with its storage space especially designed for suspension files, upright files and other office essentials, is a perfect helper for everyday office work. In addition, it can also be used as a mobile lectern. This encourages the user to switch spontaneously from sitting to standing, and supports a dynamic working posture.
The “Meeting Caddy” is designed for use as a presentation desk and lectern in the conference room. Thanks to the abundant storage space it offers, there is plenty of room for presentation equipment, cables and facilitation materials. The “Catering Caddy” takes care of on-the-spot catering during a team meeting or a meeting with a customer. It is equipped with crockery, drinks and cutlery, and can also be used as a sideboard.
Jury / Judges panel
There are many situations where mobile storage space like this is necessary and useful. Not only is this a practical and functional solution, it is also fun to use. That is what makes these caddies so appealing.
“Active Kitchen” kitchen system
WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG
D-73312 Geislingen
www.wmf.de
info@wmf.de
und
Franke GmbH
D-79713 Bad Säckingen Design
NOA GbR
D-52066 Aachen
www.noa.de Distributor
WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG
D-73312 Geislingen
und
Franke GmbH
D-79713 Bad Säckingen
The kitchen sink is a central workplace at which almost 60 percent of all work in the kitchen is done. “Active Kitchen” is a completely new work and organization system that creates a dynamic, three-dimensional workspace centred around the kitchen sink.
The core of the system is made up of sections of high-quality Cromarganâ: 18/10 stainless steel. Chopping boards, draining boards, storage trays, wall boards, baskets, bowls and sieves are simply inserted into them horizontally, forming a second, attractive work level. When washing, cutting and preparing this provides extra storage space and draining boards, more space and manageability. The individual accessories can take a load of up to 15 kg. The two sinks with their draining board and Troflex© draining board have separate waste pipes, allowing them to be drained completely independently of each other.
The system can be put together completely in accordance with individual wishes, and adjusted flexibly to personal working style.
Jury / Judges panel
A system that provides more space for small kitchens. A whole new work level is opened up along the wall, with a wide variety of components. Moreover, there are plenty of details that make everyday work easier, such as the graters and bowls that are integrated in the sink unit.
“Hansa Canyon” tap fitting series
Hansa Metallwerke AG
D-70567 Stuttgart
www.hansa.de
info@hansa.de Design
Reinhard Zetsche
D-80634 München Distributor
Hansa Metallwerke AG
D-70567 Stuttgart
The basic idea is one of experiencing water in conjunction with light. Softly yet powerfully, water emerges from the depth of the monolithically shaped tap fitting, forges a path for itself, and becomes a concise jet, which then tumbles free and untamed like a waterfall, on a stage set by a glass tongue of light on the canyon floor. Depending on the water temperature selected, the water changes colour from blue to red and back again. The water absorbs light and transports it in constantly new patterns to the bottom of the wash basin.
This light not only provides a new aesthetic quality but also has a functional significance. This is based on a newly developed electronic control: piezo sensors transmit commands to a control unit located under the wash stand. Servomotors and solenoid valves control water flow and the temperature mix. An LED stripe next to the temperature selector gives an exact status report and “throws light” on what is happening: a fascinating and primal way of experiencing water and light, yet also an innovative, state-of-the-art one thanks to the electronic components.
Jury / Judges panel
Playing with light like this to show water temperature is a novel idea. A decorative combination that marks a true innovation in this area. Playful and attractive design. It invites children, and adults too, to play with water.
“Airvantage®” thermo-insulation
W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
D-83620 Feldkirchen-Westerham
www.wlgore.com Design
FPM Factor Product München
D-81667 München
www.factor-product.com
contact@factor-product.com Distributor
W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
D-83620 Feldkirchen-Westerham
“Airvantage®”is an individually adjustable thermo-insulation that is ideal for integrating in waistcoats or anoraks. It is breathable, windproof and regulates temperature according to individual needs. To obtain the level of insulation required, air chambers are either inflated or deflated via a special operating element. It is not necessary to use both hands to do so. One hand is enough, and it can even be used while wearing gloves.
This individually adjustable insert offers a number of benefits. The item of clothing can be used in summer or winter, for example. And there is no need to take off and carry extra layers of clothing if the temperature changes. This saves weight. If it gets cold, then the insert is filled by breathing into it, and if it gets warm, then air is simply let out. “Airvantage®” thus combines state-of-the-art technology with user-friendly design to make an extremely useful product.
Jury / Judges panel
New, innovative, surprising, amusing. A magnet. If we want to keep warm, we always have to wear lots of layers of clothes. That is why it is a clever idea to have one of those layers grow by filling it with air. Practical, functional, intelligent. What is more, the anorak’s design is attractively technoid.
“Dallas” luggage
BREE Collection GmbH & Co. KG
D-30916 Isernhagen
www.bree.com
bree.collection@bree.de Design
BREE Design Team
Christian Reichert, Ivona Pop, Dörte Kelm
D-30916 Isernhagen Distributor
BREE Collection GmbH & Co. KG
D-30916 Isernhagen
“Dallas” has created a new image for luggage. For the containers we use to transport our things, the material is innovative and unusual: high-quality grey or sand-coloured polypropylene felt, which is characterized by being extremely light and hard-wearing.
The design of the various sizes of cases and of the board case is one of clear, simple, and reduced forms and of technical allusion. One striking element is the reinforcing strips, which are integrated in the surfaces and combine form with function. We are familiar with such strips from the industrial processing of sheet metal, especially for jerry cans. And indeed, on the exterior this luggage is technical and sturdy, and reminiscent of jerry cans. When opened out, however, their interior is surprisingly delicate, containing a light drawstring cover.
The containers can be used both as luggage and as storage elements in the home.
Jury / Judges panel
What is impressive about this product series is the clever use of materials, the excellent design quality and aesthetics, as well as the high level of functional quality. Innovative use of materials, some of them extremely inexpensive and used in the automotive sector as insulating materials. Very sturdy, and perhaps also really useful.
