The Object category in the INDE.Awards 2021 is a cornucopia of furniture, lighting and objects that span the breadth of innovation, function, form and beauty. From the smallest object to large pendant lighting and everything in between, The Object category serves to remind us that the everyday object can indeed be made extraordinary.

As supporter of The Object, Haworth understands what it takes to design and manufacture great objects – furniture and accessories – that stand the test of time and sustain the workplaces of today. As a family-owned company that began in 1948, Haworth has been delivering creative solutions for its customers for decades, and appreciates the process that is required to produce a stellar product, just as the designers in The Object shortlist have worked to create something unique.

Sundae Lounges by Jason Ju for DesignByThem. Photography: Pete Daly

When reviewing The Object shortlist Cory Cvetkovic. Managing Director – Australia & New Zealand, Haworth commented that it was, “Back to basic lines and materials for most items listed, offering some kind of modularity. Many of the items in the shortlist show a great respect for the essence of the materiality being used for the product. A celebration of material integrity and form to be enjoyed in simple designs.”

As we peruse the shortlist it is clear to see that design skill and consideration of the complexities of manufacture are integral to the creation of a new object. As technologies and materials develop so too do processes that can meet the intricacies of even the most complex design. However, the handmade is still revered and many products incorporate the skill of artisans and showcase expert craftmanship.

Hand Carved Marble Lights. Photography: Vinay Pajwani

In reviewing the 12 shortlisted objects Cvetkovic observed, “I find the shortlist demonstrates a conceptually stripped back series of objects that show deep thought to how we can enjoy form and function in the simplest way. Objects that respect their material, and makers that are clearly masters in execution and design.”

Although there is innovation and creativity within The Object category, there are always one or two projects that stand out and this year Cvetkovic reflected, “For me, the hand carved marble lamp is a real stand out. Not only can we see a simple tubular form that serves a specific purpose, but we can also see the hand of the maker through beautiful carvings that are accentuated when the light is turned on, simply a beautiful piece.”

The Embossed Acoustic Panel collection by Woven Image. Photography: Courtesy of Woven Image

As we can all review the shortlisted objects and choose our favourites, there is much to look forward to on the 5th August when we will all have the opportunity to celebrate the winners and indeed all the shortlisted at the INDE.Awards gala event in Sydney. Cvetkovic added, “This year I’m looking forward to seeing all of the beautiful and quirky innovation that has come from some of our creators during different phases of lockdown over the past year. We are now presented with a rare opportunity to do something different with products, interiors and the way we engage space and I’m looking forward to seeing how our designers have tackled this.”

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The Object

Proudly partnered by Haworth

Life Cycle. Photography: Courtesy of Nathan Yong Design

Arbour Linear Pendant
Ross Gardam
Australia

Betwixt Café Ceramic Crockery
Concept Black
Australia

Como Mirror
Beatrix Rowe Product Design with Grazia & CO
Australia

Drum+Base Range
AWM with Woods Bagot
Australia

Flask Lighting System
Edward Linacre
Australia

Hand Carved Marble Lights
Rooshad Shroff
India

Indre by Nikolai Kotlarczyk
Rakumba with Nikolai Kotlarczyk
Australia

Life Cycle
Nathan Yong Design
Singapore

Maddox System
Savage Design
Australia

PEAK Inverted Incense Burner
SKEEHAN Studio
Australia

Sundae Lounges by Jason Ju for DesignByThem
Jason Ju for DesignByThem
Australia

The Embossed Acoustic Panel collection by Woven Image
Woven Image
Australia

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Be there as the INDE.Award winners are announced. Register for your 2021 digital ticket.

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Related: 2021 INDE.Awards: The Building Shortlist