Top Image: Third Prize, Bobina Chair by Studio Nito (Germany)

Founded and curated by Marva Griffin, the SaloneSatellite is the place to be for up-and-coming designers under 35 looking to expose their work to the many talent scouts, manufacturers and journalists who flock to the world’s largest design event annually. Established since 1998, numerous esteemed designers of today have once held stands at the SaloneSatellite. This includes Oki Sato, Francesco Faccin and Daniel Rybakken.

Earlier this month, the SaloneSatellite once again continued its run alongside Milan’s Salone del Mobile. In keeping with the overall forward-looking vision, this year’s theme was ‘New Materials, New Design’. Over 650 designers were selected to exhibit their work alongside various international design schools. The SaloneSatellite Award also returned for its seventh edition – three top prize winners and three special mentions were awarded.

First Prize, Inflatable Sidetable by Studio Philipp Beisheim (Germany)

The top prize was awarded to Studio Philipp Beisheim from Germany for the Inflatable Sidetable. As the name hints, the table is supported by an inflatable base, which can be compressed for easy shipping or storage. The jury lauded the Inflatable Sidetable for its innovative use of material. Hypalon, a durable silicon-based fabric is unusual in furnishing, but commonly used in the industrial field for its resilience. 

Second Prize, Warm Stool by Bouillon (Japan)

Young Japanese studio Bouillon took home the first runner-up prize with Warm Stool. The product is a combination of two basic functions within a single furniture – it is a hot water container and a stool that keeps the body temperature warm. Inspired by ceramic teapots, the seat of the stool is made of terracotta that can be filled with water through an opening on top. When closed with a stopper, the seat radiates heat. Bouillon hopes to inspire new interpretations of traditional terracotta, a material commonly used in Japanese housing.

Special Mention, Ping Screen by Frank Chou Design Studio (China)

Second runner up Studio Nito’s entry was the Bobina Chair. From a single thread to a three-dimensional, solid furniture, layers of bioresin-enforced yarn were weaved in multiple directions to create the chair’s form. The jury awarded the designers for merging the traditional cotton thread and modern bioresin materials through an innovative production process crafted by the German designers in their workshop.

Special Mention, Kibits by Imagine (Japan)

The three special mentions were awarded to Frank Chou Design Studio for Ping Screen, a kimono that acts as a room divider and storage space; Imagine for Kibits, a stool composed of yarn made from waste silk; and to Klaas Kuiken for The Eps Collection, a stove and clock collection honoured for its unique production process applied to traditional objects.

Special Mention, The Eps Collection by Klaas Kuiken (The Netherlands)

The SaloneSatellite Award was judged by an international jury consisting of key players in the design industry. Some of the names include Andrea Molteni, head of design and development at Dada; Paola Antonelli, Senior Design Curator, Department of Architecture and Design MoMA; and Giovanni Anzani, CEO of Poliform and President of Assarredo. Also gracing the prize-giving ceremony was Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

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