On 26 and 27 March 2015, a distinguished panel of experts convened to select the three prize winners of the 10th International Design Award from an extensive pool of designs submitted by students from 77 countries. The theme of the International Design Award 2015 was “Take furniture to the next level”.

The international jury, consisting of Luisa Robinson from the Philippines, Gordon Bruce from the USA and Max Lamb from England, was impressed by the innovative and creative designs of the design and architecture students. In their expert and independent evaluations of the submissions, the jury members focussed not only on the degree of innovation of the product concept, but also the quality of the presentation.

The prize winners and their designs

Anita Kokoszczyk, student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland, submitted a design called “HANG OUT”, an implement for drying and hanging items of clothing that can be integrated into a door frame and used flexibly. The space-saving and convenient “HANG OUT” element is especially beneficial in small apartments.

Marwa Istanbuli of the American University of Sharjah became the first female student from the United Arab Emirates to take part in the International Design Award. Her “G-WASH” design is an ergonomic dishwasher that recycles used water. The device is controlled using a touch display integrated into the worktop. The dishwasher is filled from the top, with the height adjustment function enabling people of all heights to use the device comfortably.

Vishal Sathivada of India, student at the DYPDC Center for Automotive Research and Studies in Pune, designed the “SLICE SIDE DOWN CABINET”, a cabinet system that enables more convenient and ergonomic access to objects stored in overhead cabinets. An intelligent, retractable grip allows the cabinet's contents to be pulled down somewhat. The tambour doors that constitute the front of the cabinet are automatically opened and closed in the process.

The prizes

The best designs will be honoured with the International Design Award sculpture. The students will also receive prize money of €2,000 each, as well as a joint trip to Germany in September 2015. The prize winners will visit Hettich and REHAU and attend a design workshop over several days. The 50 best submissions will also be awarded a certificate.

This year's €1,500 prize for the university with the highest number of entrants goes to the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland.

All of the designs submitted by students who opted to participate in the public vote can be viewed online at www.internationaldesignaward.com. Public voting is open until 11 May 2015. The winner of the public vote will receive a €500 gift certificate.

As part of the International Design Award 2015, Hettich and REHAU will also be awarding a company prize, the winner of which will be announced in June 2015.

International Design Award

This year marks the 10th time that Hettich and REHAU have awarded the internationally renowned International Design Award. This year, entrants were called upon to take furniture to “take furniture to the next level”. Secondary school pupils and university students studying product design, architecture, interior design, art and wood technology and processing had until 1 March 2015 to send in their submissions.