A’ Design Award 2025 Is Open For Early Entries: Don’t Miss The Head Start!

By Mikelle Leow, 15 Jun 2024

It’s time to dust off that project that’s been stashed away among your folders because you could be sitting on a goldmine. The A’ Design Award & Competition, one of the most internationally acclaimed design competitions, has now flung the door open for submissions for its 2024–2025 period.

This inclusive competition is open to creatives from all disciplines—whether veteran or just beginning. It celebrates outstanding work across more than 100 categories, including Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design; Architecture, Building and Structure Design; Furniture Design; Fine Arts and Art Installation Design; Futuristic Design; and even Unexpected Design.

A myriad of benefits awaits creatives who take the first step. Winners receive an extensive PR campaign, inclusion in the World Design Rankings, and a feature in the annual yearbook. They also get an exclusive invitation to the glamorous gala-night—an exceptional networking opportunity. Additional perks include a winner’s certificate, award trophy, and exhibition opportunities, press coverage across languages, and allocations for digital and physical showcases, ensuring their work gains international visibility.

Entries will be judged by a diverse panel of experts, including seasoned designers, academics, and media professionals. For the fairest results, a blind peer-review process is conducted, leveling the playing field for budding designers who have what it takes to leap to the global stage.

It’s an excellent opportunity to take your best creative work to the next level, so don’t forget to nominate your project now.

The deadline for early submissions is June 30, 2024. DesignTAXI will announce the winners on May 1, 2025.

In the meantime, check out some incredible designs from the latest A’ Design Award edition below.

Hinemosu 30 Computer Display

Artist Yuichiro Katsumoto’s Hinemosu 30 takes a unique approach to your typical computer screen. Instead of pixels, this one uses 30 actuators to twist five elastic bands, morphing them into ever-changing patterns. This mesmerizing display can conjure up calming textile designs, the fury of a mountain storm, or the gentle flutter of falling snow.

Hinemosu 30 Computer Display by Yuichiro Katsumoto

It’s not just a visual experience, either. The actuators whir and click, mimicking the sounds of nature and adding another layer to the artistic journey. The product’s genius lies in defying convention. It throws out the idea of using dots or squares to display information, opting instead for the elegance of lines in motion. The result is a computer display unlike any other, one that speaks as much to our senses as it does to our minds.

Hinemosu 30 Computer Display by Yuichiro Katsumoto

Royan Sofa

Inspired by the flowing forms of Nastali’q calligraphy, designer Esmail Ghadrdani’s Royan Sofa is made up of unique, elongated curves, bringing forth a high-end statement piece that serves as a visual homage to this art form.

Royan Sofa by Esmail Ghadrdani

More than just beautiful, the Royan Sofa boasts functionality too, with built-in nooks for books and flowers, offering users a novel way to personalize their comfort experience.

Royan Sofa by Esmail Ghadrdani

Tamausagi Bottled Japanese Tea

This endearing bottle, designed by Hisamichi Kasai, elevates the highest grade of Japanese green tea, called Uji Gyokuro. The packaging is a minimalist masterpiece, inspired by wabi-sabi, the design philosophy of elegant simplicity. But the symbolism goes deeper. Tamausagi, meaning “moon rabbit,” references a local legend and the tea’s unique cultivation method.

Tamausagi Bottled Japanese Tea by Hisamichi Kasai

The moonlit scene with wispy clouds on the bottle depicts how Gyokuro leaves are shaded before harvest, mimicking the cool embrace of a moonlit night. At the end of the day, we get a wondrous bottled experience designed to grace special occasions.

Tamausagi Bottled Japanese Tea by Hisamichi Kasai

Dango Multifunctional Folding Chair

The Dango Multifunctional Folding Chair by Nora Voon takes a bite of the beloved Japanese dessert known as dango, echoing the shape of the sweet skewered dumpling. This lightweight chair folds flat for effortless portability, making it a perfect companion for picnics, camping trips, or even just relaxing on your balcony. Crafted with eco-friendly foam and powder-coated aluminum, the Dango chair caters to the sustainability-conscious consumer without compromising on style.

Dango Multifunctional Folding Chair by Nora Voon

Faffin Font Family Type Design and Specimen

Faffin, by veteran type designer Paul Robb, offers two distinct styles: Faffin Sans and Faffin Display. Inspired by the clean lines of Swiss design, Faffin Sans is a modern typeface that blends contemporary shapes with subtle curves. Faffin Display, on the other hand, explores beyond boundaries with its variable font technology, offering a wide range of customization options. Both variants can be used independently or together, creating a cohesive and striking look.

Faffin Font Family Type Design and Specimen by Paul Robb

Musipple Music Player

The Musipple Music Player by Ziqiang He, Hao Zhang and Yunan Lin intertwines the tranquility of ripples, a symbolic element in Eastern philosophy, into the classic form of a vinyl record player, resulting in an audio device that sings to the tune of both tradition and modern technology.

Musipple Music Player by Ziqiang He, Hao Zhang and Yunan Lin

Time Capsule Package

The Time Capsule Package, the brainchild of Koichi Namimoto, transforms the traditional library experience into an even more meaningful one for this generation and beyond. These boxes, designed to resemble books, allow visitors to the Mufg Park Machi-library to become curators of their own mini time capsules. Users can fill these “books” with keepsakes and memories, then set a pre-determined date for them to be unlocked—adding a layer of anticipation and surprise to the traditional library visit. The delightful design not only maintains the intellectual spirit of the library but also injects a playful element, making it a hit with visitors who return year after year.

Time Capsule Package by Koichi Namimoto

Barebag Series Fashionable Prosthetics

A bright spot in adaptive design, the Barebag Series by Ke Zheng and Shuhao Xuanyuan comprises fashionable accessories for individuals with limited hand or arm mobility, be it due to injury or amputation. The ingenious design hides an anti-swing hook within a stylish accessory, allowing users to effortlessly hang bags at their waist, one-handed. This, along with the user-friendly ButterSlide technology for single-handed strap adjustments, empowers users with independence.

Barebag Series Fashionable Prosthetics by Ke Zheng and Shuhao Xuanyuan

Gently integrated into everyday life, it fosters empathy and inclusivity, while also encouraging users to confidently embrace their unique identities.

Barebag Series Fashionable Prosthetics by Ke Zheng and Shuhao Xuanyuan

Omni Multifunctional Chair

In response to the surge in outdoor living sparked by the lockdown, designers Chenyang Yu and Xinyi Huang created the Omni Multifunctional Chair, which effortlessly transforms from a comfortable seat to a functional table with a simple 90-degree swivel. The piece’s lightweight design allows for effortless movement and arrangement, making it easy to create versatile furniture sets for any activity.

Omni Multifunctional Chair by Chenyang Yu and Xinyi Huang

Informed by the evolving nature of our living spaces, the Omni chair features organic curves and shapes that provide optimal comfort in various seating positions. When rotated, it converts into a table of the perfect height, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. This versatile piece is designed to integrate into any user’s life, empowering them to embrace their ever-changing routines.

Omni Multifunctional Chair by Chenyang Yu and Xinyi Huang

Cascading Canyon Art Installation

In her captivating installation, Cascading Canyon, artist Aditi Anuj looks to the grandeur of the real Grand Canyon. The piece unfolds as a sensory feast, inviting viewers to explore a world of textures, vast landscapes, and riveting light shows that dance across origami-inspired Sonobe walls.

Cascading Canyon Art Installation by Aditi Anuj

It’s an intimate encounter with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, brought to life through an interactive experience. Light plays a starring role, filtering through the canyon’s layers to heighten the effect and make the entire artwork even more immersive.

Cascading Canyon Art Installation by Aditi Anuj

The Lighthouse Of Wishes Art Installation

On the stunning coastline of Aranya Community in China, The Lighthouse of Wishes, a collaborative art project, stands tall with its façade transformed by the wishes painted directly onto its surface by the public. This unique beacon of hope is a vibrant tapestry of dreams, constructed from over 200 custom-made panels that shimmer with color by day and illuminate with those very wishes at night.

The Lighthouse Of Wishes Art Installation by Qirui Ma, Zhiyu Long and Pengxiang Lin

The Lighthouse of Wishes embodies the spirit of Aranya itself—a symbol of community, a guiding light for those seeking purpose, and a living motif of the enduring hope that resides within us all.

The Lighthouse Of Wishes Art Installation by Qirui Ma, Zhiyu Long and Pengxiang Lin

The Allegory Art Installation

In a refreshing departure from the muted tones of Taipei’s Big Dome Sports Park, Tomoko Nagao’s Allegory Art installation bursts forth in a riot of color. Inspired by the magnificence of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s ceiling frescoes, Nagao creates a modern allegory, weaving together Rococo flourishes with unexpected symbols like baseball stadiums and pop culture.

The Allegory Art Installation by FunDesign.tv - Tomoko Nagao

Drop Sauna and Drop Lodge Sauna and Small Cottage

The stunning Drop Sauna and Drop Lodge are envisioned by Finnish company Drop to create a connection to nature through modern design. These structures, available in black, white, or natural wood, feature a unique teardrop-shaped window that acts as a frame for the surrounding beauty. Constructed from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), one of the most sustainable and long-lasting building materials available, the Drop Sauna and Lodge offer a luxurious escape for relaxation and reflection, encouraging you to truly reconnect with yourself and the environment.

Drop Sauna and Drop Lodge Sauna and Small Cottage by Drop

Yangguang City No.9 Residential House

Saiwen Liu’s No. 9 House prioritizes both function and beauty, with a layout that considers smooth traffic flow and aesthetics that borrow from nature. The living room takes its cue from flowing phoenix feathers, with sleek lines mimicking gentle breezes that ripple through the space. Light strips embedded within these lines create a sense of movement, as if a phoenix is dancing throughout the home. Sustainable materials like natural-shell terrazzo and common red bricks keep costs low and regulate humidity—a perfect fit for Xi’an’s dry climate. This unique residence is set up to evoke positive emotions and leave a lasting impression.

Yangguang City No.9 Residential House by Saiwen Liu

Chuan San Hao Train Hotpot

All aboard, as dinner is served. This Train Hotpot restaurant takes diners on a trip down memory lane with a one-of-a-kind train theme. Designed by Yiming Zhu, the establishment uses real, weathered green-skinned train carriages, placing them right next to a scenic wetland. Passengers, well, diners, are treated to beautiful views as they enjoy their meal, creating a unique connection between nature, the industrial past, and the joy of sharing a hotpot with loved ones. nd don’t worry about service interrupting your conversation. The cleverly placed kitchen in the middle carriage ensures a smooth dining experience without any disruptions.

Chuan San Hao Train Hotpot by Yiming Zhu

210 Bloor Multi Residential House

Bloor Street West in Toronto, Canada, has an eye-catching resident: a 29-story architectural icon designed by Babak Eslahjou. This mixed-use building marries residential living with retail space, offering 42 homes and over 120 square meters (1,291 square feet) of commercial area. The real showstopper, though, is the exterior, a dazzling mosaic of mirrored glass that reflects the metropolis’ lights and creates a dynamic interplay of form. With three levels of underground parking, the structure offers a solution for urban living that combines style, functionality, and a touch of modern flair.

210 Bloor Multi Residential House by Babak Eslahjou

Dream Forest Elementary School Library

A hidden page-turner is tucked within this elementary school—a hypnotic library designed with both students and the planet in mind. Architect Hsiang Chen Lu crafted the Dream Forest Elementary School Library space using recycled wood, creating a haven that’s both eco-friendly and stylish. Ample natural light floods the interior, fostering a sense of well-being and reducing the need for artificial illumination.

Dream Forest Elementary School Library by Hsiang Chen Lu

The design prioritizes sustainability, minimizing the space’s eco impact. The overall feel is light and airy, mirroring the belief that learning flourishes best in a comfortable, uncluttered environment.

Dream Forest Elementary School Library by Hsiang Chen Lu

grid Compound Building

Standing tall in Nishinomiya, Japan, the Grid Compound Building by Shigeru Tsuda is five-story structure with a compelling design that grants it near-360-degree visibility. Its prominent location facing a Hankyu railway Kobe line station ensures it catches the eye of passersby from almost any direction. Interestingly, it reconsiders how advertising billboards are displayed by integrating them into the building itself. Its multiple vantage points mean advertisers get their money’s worth, too.

grid Compound Building by Shigeru Tsuda

In Between House

Architect Seyedjalil Mousavi’s In Between House incorporates brick “envelopes” that create porch-like spaces on either side. This fosters a connection between the home and the surrounding city, making it feel less like a separate structure and more like an integrated part of the urban environment.

In Between House by Seyedjalil Mousavi

The In Between House offers a practical layout as well, with a ground floor featuring a mix of indoor and connecting areas, along with parking, a small suite, and storage. The upper floors are dedicated to living areas, with a duplex on the first floor housing the dining and living rooms, main kitchen, bathroom, and guest room. Upstairs, a second living space with a dining area, small kitchen, and bathroom complements the bedrooms for parents and children.

In Between House by Seyedjalil Mousavi