Run, Don’t Walk: This Is Your Last Chance To Enter The A’ Design Award This Year

By Mikelle Leow, 19 Feb 2024

The A’ Design Award and Competition, one of the leading competitions in the field, offers a stage for designers, brands, and other creatives to show off their best work and get recognition from influential figures and platforms for doing so. The accolade not only highlights exceptional projects but also promotes the principles of good design, pushing the boundaries of form and function and considering their role in driving positive change around the world.

Whether you’re an architect or a packaging designer, there’s a prize for you. The competition welcomes designers and makers of over 100 disciplines from all around the world, including those focused on Graphics and Visual Communication Design; Advertising, Marketing and Communication Design; Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design; Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design; and Architecture, Building and Structure Design. You’ll find a full breadth of categories here.

Registering means your work gets looked over by a panel of respected experts, including design veterans, academics, and members of the press.

Winning this award will be a huge boost, giving laureates global exposure, a prestigious trophy, an appearance in the renowned A’ Design Award Yearbook, and allocations in both physical and digital exhibitions. You’ll also be invited to a much-anticipated gala night, where you’ll meet other top designers and industry bigwigs.

Additionally, winners benefit from a comprehensive PR campaign aimed at promoting their design in numerous languages. You’ll have a place in the World Design Rankings and a lifelong license to use the A’ Design logo for establish your name as a celebrated designer. Lastly, the accolade serves as a gateway to commercial acclaim, as winners gain access to sales listings and potential networking and business opportunities.

If these sound like music to your ears, you’ve got to act fast. This is your last chance to enter your work for this edition of the A’ Design Award and Competition, as the window to do so closes on February 28. Those who have nominated their designs should keep their eyes peeled as DesignTAXI will announce the winners on April 15!

In the meantime, enjoy some prizewinning works from last year below.

Phantom Chair

Marrying the minimalist elegance of Bauhaus style with avante-garde elements, the Phantom Chair by Jun Wang is crafted using gradient glass techniques to serve not just its primary function but also as a dreamy decorative piece. Its make allows for various configurations, accommodating single and multi-person seating arrangements alongside side tables, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to both interior and exterior spaces.

Phantom Chair by Jun Wang

The use of high-strength, transparent glass imbues the Phantom Chair with a sense of lightness and fluidity, while its gradient colors add a vibrant, dynamic quality to any setting.

Phantom Chair by Jun Wang

Poly City Gather Sales Center

Spanning 1,250 square meters (about 13,455 feet) and serving as a high-end property showcase, the Poly City Gather Sales Center’s design philosophy revolves around simplifying complex natural forms into basic shapes and vibrant elements, creating a space that radiates vitality within a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and sensory pleasure. Melody Lau envisioned a striking 12-meter-high (39-foot-high) open atrium topped with a dome, evoking a sense of infinite fantasy and artistic freedom.

Poly City Gather Sales Center by Melody Lau

This space is designed to guide visitors through a journey of light and shadow, where the interplay of textures and colors conjures images of layered mountains, immersing them in a poetic and fully artistic realm. The project emphasizes the symbiosis of culture, art, and wellness, aiming to resonate with the city’s aspirations for healthy living and artistic taste.

Poly City Gather Sales Center by Melody Lau

Scacco Matto Portable Lamp

The Scacco Matto Portable Lamp, designed by Francesco Cappuccio, is a versatile piece that draws inspiration from the 1960s radical design movement. This lighting solution is able to transform into five different sculptures through the use of magnetically connected elements, encouraging users to explore and interact with illumination in a creative and dynamic way. The name “Scacco Matto,” which translates to “checkmate” in Italian, nods to the strategic and playful nature of chess and the lamp’s multifaceted design.

Scacco Matto Portable Lamp by Francesco Cappuccio

Scacco Matto can be used as a vase, sculpture, or to draw focus to specific areas, reimagining the role of light as a transformative element in living environments.

Scacco Matto Portable Lamp by Francesco Cappuccio

K11 Art Mall Retail

A 20-year-old department store was transformed into an “art mall,” now becoming a living example that physical retail spaces can thrive with the right creative approach. Carrie Ho’s design concept focuses on creating a shopping experience that is more about the mall itself than the individual stores within it.

K11 Art Mall Retail by Carrie Ho

By utilizing every inch of space, the project introduces surprises around every corner, including a sci-fi-inspired blue technology chamber that immerses visitors in a world of tech products. The mall emphasizes fun, vertical exploration with strategic floor-specific landmarks, encouraging visitors to move upward and discover its various levels.

K11 Art Mall Retail by Carrie Ho

4Paradigm Sage Aios Packaging

With its forward-looking vibes, this packaging reflects the brand identity and purpose of an artificial intelligence technology provider. The design utilizes silver and cyan-gray paper, symbolizing a robust and reliable enterprise personality, alongside transparent frosted material that breaks traditional dimensions and boundaries. All in all, it aims to fuel hope and imagination for AI and all the possibilities it may bring in the future.

4Paradigm Sage Aios Packaging by 4Paradigm UED

Honey Packaging Design

This Honey Packaging Design by Wallrus Design Studio borrows from the natural habitats of bees and the hexagonal form of a beehive. Housed in a sturdy box and made from glass and wood, it conveys a sense of naturalness and purity while encouraging collectors to repurpose it for various uses such as storing homemade jam, nuts, dried fruits, spices, and more.

Honey Packaging Design by Wallrus Design Studio

Tai Side Table

Inspired by the architectural lines of IM Pei’s The Luce Chapel, this side table by Sunriu Design embodies the image of praying with folded hands. Its structure, reminiscent of the butterfly stool, and the ability to replace the tabletop with various materials, emphasize its versatility and eco-economical approach. Crafted from retired substation metal sheets, its process involves simple laser cutting and bending, allowing for a sustainable and flat-packed design that significantly cuts down on production time and does not require assembly.

Tai Side Table by Sunriu Design

Chopstikbench Bench

The Chopstikbench is a creative and environmentally conscious piece that addresses the issue of disposable chopstick waste. Made from 37,800 pairs of recycled chopsticks collected from night markets in Taiwan, this bench is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a statement on recycling and sustainability.

Chopstikbench Bench by Pin Ning Huang, Mhyca Hsu and Shu Hsuan Peng

The design process involved intricately placing each chopstick, intertwining them with non-toxic adhesive, and shaping the bench through CNC cutting. The bench’s smooth arc lines and organic styling make it visually elegant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Chopstikbench Bench by Pin Ning Huang, Mhyca Hsu and Shu Hsuan Peng

Crash Womenswear

In the aftermath of a computer crash that resulted in the corruption and loss of her digital files, Meng Ling Chung felt compelled to turn a moment of panic into an artistic opportunity. She took screenshots of these distorted, unintelligible images and began piecing them together like a jigsaw puzzle, using these patterns for new womenswear.

Crash Womenswear by Meng Ling Chung

The collection features prints that represent the image destruction from the computer crash, with each rectangular pattern being unique. The surreal pieces emphasize the transient nature of digital data while reflecting a deep personal connection to her work.

Crash Womenswear by Meng Ling Chung

Co-Grain Bird Feeder Cereal Pack

The Co-Grain Bird Feeder was initiated on the observation that many households stock up on grains in bulk and end up not consuming them within their shelf life. Designers saw the chance to address this issue by creating a cereal package that could be transformed into a bird feeder, thus reducing grain waste and aiding winged friends in foraging for food. When humans share their surplus with fauna, the symbiotic relationship between urban dwellers and wildlife strengthens.

Co-Grain Bird Feeder Cereal Pack by Lide Ma, Zhiyi Zou and Yuxuan Mao

The package is made from high-strength kraft paper and can be deformed into a bird feeder with the help of a set of instructions. This process involves opening the tear ring at the top to create a lanyard for hanging, ripping off a detachable part at the bottom to create an opening, inserting a bottom bracket to form a standing platform for birds, and finally, removing an inner tear to provide a feeding opening.

Co-Grain Bird Feeder Cereal Pack by Lide Ma, Zhiyi Zou and Yuxuan Mao

Modular Handle For Door

This modular series of pull handles is created with individual taste in mind, made of independent elements that can be freely adapted to each door design. Additional features such as a fingerprint reader and LED light can be incorporated to enhance the feature and make entrances more attractive.

Modular Handle For Door by Wala Sp. z o.o.

Tongming Vision Correction Logo

This abstract logo was created for an organization specializing in the vision correction of young people and children. The name “Tongming” translates to “pupil and bright” in English, which inspired the main design element of the emblem. The mark cleverly incorporates three pupils of varying degrees, arranged to symbolize the correction process from blurred to clear vision. The design process extended to business cards, memos, posters, website design, and more.

Tongming Vision Correction Logo by Kuaiyu Tang

Smart Desktop Cable Storage Product Charger

The Smart Desktop Cable Storage charger, designed by Chunbin Li, cleverly combines practical cable management with modern charging technology. Inspired by the efficient and cool-running GaN charging technology, this pioneering product offers a solution for both storing cables neatly and charging devices wirelessly, thanks to its magnetic wireless charging module. Its design is compact and stylish, featuring a simple monochromatic scheme with functional anti-skid heat dissipation holes, making it a fit for any desk or indoor space. The use of eco-friendly materials for the shell and cables aligns with sustainable practices by reducing the need for multiple charging accessories. The multipurpose charger effectively tackles the issue of cable clutter while providing a versatile station.

Smart Desktop Cable Storage Product Charger by Chunbin Li

Birdy Speaker

The Birdy Speaker, embodying the interaction between humans and their pet birds, is conceptualized to bridge the gap between technology and human emotion. Birdy offers a more natural and intuitive way to control music playback through a bird-shaped game stick at the top, which users can swing to adjust volume or skip songs. This design not only adds a tactile and interactive element to the music-listening experience but also evokes a personal connection, making Birdy feel like a living creature rather than just a geometric object. Additionally, Birdy doubles as a smart home assistant that responds to different avian calls.

Birdy Speaker by Leijing Zhou and Xin An

Viage11 Modular Eyewear System

In a fresh approach to optical wear, Mijin Lee’s Viage11 Modular Eyewear System distinguishes itself by enabling a single pair of glasses to adapt into 11 unique styles through interchangeable temples and accents, with the aim of mitigating the fashion industry’s environmental footprint. This feature allows for easy customization of the glasses to suit various occasions without the need for tools. The hinge system, inspired by origami, is crafted from a single sheet of spring stainless steel, ensuring frames that are considerably lighter than conventional glasses.

Viage11 Modular Eyewear System by Mijin Lee

Mashav Wearable Ventilation System

The Mashav Wearable Ventilation System by Ofri Shapira combines traditional clothing design with modern technology to address the challenges posed by rising temperatures due to the climate crisis. Inspired by the Galabiya, a traditional dress worn by Bedouin society, Mashav utilizes the ‘Chimney Effect’ for air circulation within the article, enhancing comfort and breathability.

Mashav Wearable Ventilation System by Ofri Shapira

This two-piece garment not only offers a solar ventilation system to improve airflow around the neck and head but also emphasizes the return to clothing’s essential function of protection. The system operates through an electronic cooling mechanism designed to cool areas with wide blood vessels for a more effective cooling effect, powered by flexible solar panels and without the need for screws, rivets, or soldering, thanks to its innovative hinge system.

Mashav Wearable Ventilation System by Ofri Shapira

Command Z Visualising Book Layout

The Command Z Visualising Book Layout creatively addresses the theme of Alzheimer’s disease by visualizing the process of memory loss through the unique medium of a book. Moved by the touching story of an elderly couple in Taiwan, who, despite their memory loss, maintained their deep love for each other, Jiayi Li sought to merge this narrative with a design that raises awareness and empathy about the condition. The book layout is distinguished by its interactive elements, including temperature-sensitive ink that reveals text with the warmth of a hand, and a special pen mark system that allows hidden messages to be uncovered. These features are designed to engage readers in a tactile experience, mirroring the ephemeral nature of memories affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Command Z Visualising Book Layout by Jiayi Li

The project is divided into three stages—pre, mid, and post—each corresponding to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Early stages use tracing paper to symbolize vulnerability, mid-stages employ temperature-sensitive ink for interactive text revelation, and late stages involve the book’s combination with fire, representing irreversible memory loss. This thoughtful design approach offers a profound commentary on the condition's impact on individuals and their loved ones.

Command Z Visualising Book Layout by Jiayi Li

Murakoshi House

The Murakoshi House, designed by Hiroki Watanabe, is centered around creating a space that harmoniously integrates with its surroundings, focusing on the elements of light, wind, people, cars, and water. The structure features a novel planar and cross-sectional “void” that allows natural light and air to flow freely inside, enhancing the living experience while considering the convenience of both people and vehicles.

Murakoshi House by Hiroki Watanabe

Of note is the house’s adaptability to different environmental conditions. During non-flood times, its parking area transforms into an “open public space” with landscaping and a roof, providing a restful spot for passersby. Above this area, a “closed private space” offers a secluded area for leisure, ensuring privacy and relaxation.

Murakoshi House by Hiroki Watanabe

Ripple Multifunctional Architecture

Takatoku Nishi dreamed up a space that captures and manipulates light to mimic the natural phenomenon of ripples created by a drop of water. The dedication to exploring the mystique of light and atmosphere is evident in its execution, with materials and structures conveying the transient beauty of nature’s tangible but fleeting scenes. The design harmonizes the work with its environment, creating an atmosphere that brings outdoor spectacles closer to the observer.

Ripple Multifunctional Architecture by Takatoku Nishi

The structure draws inspiration from the work of Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, particularly the atmosphere of the Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle. On sunny days, with the right amount of wind, light is guided into the space from pipes in the ceiling, delivering a captivating light phenomenon that resembles water droplets falling onto a surface.

Ripple Multifunctional Architecture by Takatoku Nishi

Night of City Nightclub

The Night of City, designed by Jeffrey Zee, harnesses the realms of astral traveling and alternate realities to conjure up a visceral nightclub experience that doubles as a multi-purpose entertainment space. The design incorporates organic forms and kinetic mechanical structures to create a dynamic environment where customized lighting and visual animations play a key role in enhancing the sensory experience of visitors.

Night of City Nightclub by Jeffrey Zee

With 46 avant-garde private rooms, the nightclub offers a variety of entertainment options including live DJ sets, karaoke, gaming, dining, and performances, all within the privacy and safety of individual spaces. This design approach not only caters to the post-pandemic era’s need for safety but also embraces artistic expressions.

Night of City Nightclub by Jeffrey Zee

Don’t hesitate as this is your last opportunity to submit your work for the 2024 round of the A’ Design Award and Competition.

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