Edge winners praised for innovation

21 February 2011

Sculptural seating, statement lighting and eco-design with a humorous edge were the hallmarks of winning entries in The Edge 2011 contest and launch pad.

Winners were announced at the official opening of the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) on 2 February, the culmination of a tightly contested competition involving 40 designers and around 50 new products.

The winning entries were both inspired and highly innovative, The Edge curator Uli Hasel said.

Taking out the Edge Student Award for his Contour Lounge (left), Daniel Mazic of UTS had created what judges said wasas "a very sculptural, graceful and comfortable piece". Made from laminated plywood and inspired by the work and ideas of iconic Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi; the lounge was also described as "very unique with lots of potential; great craftsmanship and ideal material expression; beautiful from every angle."

Meanwhile The Edge Concept Award for the best new prototype went to James Hargraves of jameshargraves.com for his Weft 056 Pendant Light (right). An intricate handmade piece designed to suit the demands of large commercial spaces, the organically formed piece was praised by judges with phrases such as "perfect choice of materials", "sculptural yet light" and "unique and with genuine wow factor".

A new release that combined innovation with humour and personality, Robot Stools (left) by Andrew Bezzina and Hugh Worthington of Chunk Design took out the Edge Commercial Award. Judges described the concept, comprising a height adjustable stool made from bamboo and using timber joints rather than screws or glue, as "an incredibly versatile, multi-purpose product; allowing for user interaction; quirky and fun and with sense of humour; great conversation piece with far reaching application potential".

Chunk Design also won the Edge Green Award for the most sustainable new product across all entries, with their ‘Tooths' Stool (right). Made from discarded expanded polystyrene packaging and sealed with an enamel finish, the 'Tooths' stool won praise for taking waste hazard material and transforming it into a quirky, fun product with commercial appeal.

The Edge 2011 contest was a key feature of AIFF, which took place from 2-4 February at Sydney Exhibition Centre.

 

Have your say

Reload Image