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ein&zwanzig 2020: The winners of the international newcomer awards demonstrate expressive force and an impressive wealth of ideas
The 21 winners of the German Design Council’s ein&zwanzig newcomer awards put on a firework display of creativity. A total of 21 product and project ideas from international design students and graduates were selected from among the 1,035 entries. This means that the competition attracted 25% more entries than the previous year. Newcomers from 74 nations competed for the awards. The supreme title “Best of Best” will be announced on 20 April.
Lutz Dietzold, Managing Director of the German Design Council, is delighted with the competition’s growing success and regrets that the 2020 awards ceremony cannot take place as usual in Milan during Tortona Design Week: “Due to the postponement of the Salone del Mobile and Tortona Design Week, the winners will be presented with their awards on our various digital platforms – first and foremost in the online gallery at www.ein-und-zwanzig.de, on social media (#einundzwanzigcompetition) and at www.ndion.de.”
The 2020 submissions are testament to a spirit of invention and research, the courage to experiment and a profound understanding of both aesthetic and practical solutions to problems. The experimental approach is about materials and form, as well as perceptions and usability. The spectrum of submissions ranges from seating furniture and lamps that develop an independent character through interaction with people, to designs which are highly diverse in their form and function. The tendency among the submissions towards the domains of kitchen, furniture and lighting, as well as textiles, was particularly notable. All in all, the works present a kaleidoscope of current design.
High-calibre jury for the young talent awards
Since 2017, the German Design Council’s ein&zwanzig awards have become established as a major event for up-and-coming talent in the international design scene. This year the jury was tasked with evaluating 1,035 entries from 74 countries, a 25% increase on the previous year (824 applications). The 14-strong committee includes a young generation of successful designers such as Hanne Willmann, Eva Marguerre, Marcel Besau and the Dutch design duo Raw Colour (Daniera ter Haar and Christoph Brach), as well as established design greats such as Formafantasma and Sebastian Herkner. Industry experts such as Christian Haas, Nina Bruun and Lutz Dietzold also provided support during the demanding selection process. “We are fascinated by the vital spirit of innovation we feel in every submission,” says Lutz Dietzold, chair of the jury and Managing Director of the German Design Council.
For more information, visit www.ein-und-zwanzig.com Instagram: @ein_und_zwanzig | Facebook: @GermanDesignCouncil | Twitter: @DesignInGermany
ein&zwanzig awards
The German Design Council’s international “ein&zwanzig” competition promotes and supports talented young designers. The award is open to design students and graduates who are producing innovative, pioneering work in the furniture, home accessories, lighting, floor coverings, wall coverings, textiles and lifestyle design sectors. From among all the entries, an international panel of expert judges chooses 21 outstanding works, of which one is awarded the “Best of Best” title.
Contact
The German Design Council
Janine Wunder, Vice President Communications and Marketing
Phone +49 (0) 69 24 74 48-699
E-mail: presse@german-design-council.de
www.german-design-council.de/en