Big impact: Focus Open 2023

As an architecture and design platform, Architonic provides its users with fresh inspiration every day, whether in the shape of newly realised building and interior design projects, sophisticated products or innovative design solutions. Here, however, the attention turns to the reader, as the Design Center Baden-Württemberg calls for submissions for the 2023 edition of its Focus Open International Design Award.

As a non-commercial design prize, the Focus Open offers particularly low barriers to participation thanks to its very moderate fees, while, in contrast, providing a high level of visibility from which, in the event of an award, smaller agencies, design studios and companies, in particular, can benefit. Entries can be submitted in a total of 14 categories including Bathroom, Kitchen, Light, Mobility, Investment products, Sport and Mobility.

The Focus Open awards are initially presented in three categories: Gold, Silver and Special Mention. In addition, the special Focus META prize is awarded to solutions that display an inspiring character in terms of addressing current social, technological, economic or ecological issues in an interdisciplinary way, covering areas such as sustainable design, universal design, form innovations or design strategies. From the entrant's point of view, the true benefit of the award lies in the high degree of public attention that comes with winning. The Design Center Baden-Württemberg ensures this in the form of a high-quality internationally distributed yearbook, social media communication with a broad reach as well as a quarterly exhibition. This year, the award ceremony and exhibition will be hosted at the Haus der Wirtschaft Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart.

The number of prizes that are ultimately awarded in each category depends entirely on the judgement of the jury members. For more than 30 years, the award has stood for independent evaluation, by a jury of six that is newly formed annually, and which is itself anchored in practice. Each individual submission is put to the test on the basis of transparently communicated criteria. These include aspects such as design quality, level of innovation, ergonomics and usability, as well as aesthetic considerations and the digital intelligence of the product. And something else that is important to the organisers of the Focus Open: ‘Developments in which a jury member or his company is involved are completely excluded from the evaluation’ – by no means the norm.

A look at some of last year's award winners shows how valuable professional recognition and awards are in ensuring that innovations and advances are widely received. For example, a firefighter's helmet by the Linz-based design studio Formquadrat for Rosenbauer International received the Focus GOLD Award for its successful combination of functionality and emotionality, according to the jury's statement.

How often in everyday life do we miss details such as the equipment of the people who put themselves in dangerous situations for our safety? The relatively light ‘Heros H30’ helmet pays tribute to them, but also has functional expansion options in addition to high stability and ergonomic benefits. A helmet lamp, a thermal imaging camera or a breathing mask can be added without tools, while the red position light, which is integrated into the back, is a new development.

Another gold award went to the long-haul aircraft seat by Recaro. The Schwäbisch Hall company succeeded in making it 10 to 15 per cent lighter – depending on the specific format – than existing seats, thus helping to reduce CO2 emissions by large amounts, while also optimising comfort. The jury awarded one of a total of 18 Focus SILVER awards to Kuckoo Camper's Bruno mini camper, praising, in particular, its lightweight construction from sturdy plywood. This lends a harmonious look to the product's detailing, which was planned with a great deal of expert knowledge, while at the same time creating a pleasant indoor climate.

The 2022 Focus META prize was awarded to the Urbanharbor transformation concept by Stuttgart architects SFP for Maxmaier Urbandevelopment in Ludwigsburg, in which flexible office modules that included an integrative energy system for climate-neutrality and sustainability were created in a disused production hall. How much more inspiration do you need?

All information on the competition, including other award-winning design solutions from the Focus Open 2022, can be found at www.design-center.de/en.

The countdown is on so register today!

Photos © Design Center Baden-Württemberg

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