red dot: best of the best_6

States Sofa
(red dot award: product design 2008)

States is a sofa especially designed for small rooms, with dimensions that take up little space, side- and backrests merging into one space-saving unit, and a visual language that never appears dominant. Characteristic for the aesthetics is a design that, in principle, intends to do away with the 90-degree angle. States is part of a seating system, which counters the old-established static furniture concepts with adaptable, flexible scenarios. All elements can be moved and combined as one may see fit. States provides a comfortable and relaxed seating experience without voluminous arrangements while at the same time rendering a generous flair to small spaces as well.

Design : Studio V7, Lissone, Italy (Giuseppe Viganò)

StingrayRocking Chair_Schaukelstuhl
(red dot award: product design 2008)

The Stingray rocking chair resembles gentle sea waves. Its appearance is an interesting new interpretation of the plastic version of the curved chair created in 2002 as it is now manufactured in veneer. The chair is available, for example, in African Macassar ebony wood, whose grains emphasise the organic form of the Stingray, whose shape was inspired by the sea. The new version of the Stingray is also available with a cushion that invites to extend the hours of comfortable relaxation. Due to the curves of this chair the cushion is made of several pieces. Here, as well, the inspiration from the sea is evident. The veneer and the comfortable cushion lend the Stingray a trendy look establishing new possibilities for a modern, yet cosy interior.

Design : Thomas Pedersen, Aarhus, Denmark

ribbon_Stool
(red dot award: product design 2008)

A stool whose construction and design is based on the laces of ballet shoes. The three ribbons were cut out of a single piece of sheet steel by laser. The decorative cross joint guarantees sufficient stability of the structure. The stool is available in two different heights. On the high version, the additional horizontal loop can be used as footrest. The optional cushion for the seat is attached to the stool with magnets.

Design : nendo, Tokyo, Japan

Tetra_Hocker
(red dot award: product design 2008)

With its flowing form and swinging curves, inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s MR 10 chair, the design of the Tetra stool captures the abstract essence of the natural world. In the dark-grey version in particular, this stool emulates the haptics of a stone surface. The solid and environmentally friendly piece of furniture is amazingly versatile in terms of functionality; it works as a stool in any of its four positions. It is manufactured using the innovative rotomoulding production process. With this technique, the manufacturer managed, after many experiments, to build the Tetra using recyclable polyethylene pellets. The mouldable material is made from polyethylene plastic bags and used scrap plastic, which is processed in special washing machines. In this way, the final product features an interesting structure, characterised by flexibility and durability. The Tetra is stackable, easily transportable, and available in many opaque and translucent colours. The weatherproof stool with the measurements 50 x 56 x 51 cm can be flexibly and multifunctionally used both in- and outdoors.

In-house design : Varangis Avepe SA, Marousi
Design : Yannis Georgaras Design Studio, Piraeus, Greece (Yannis Georgaras)

WK 696 punto_Armchair
(red dot award: product design 2008)

Conceiving the individual armchair punto it was possible to realise much comfort in a delicate form. The seating position of the rotatable punto armchair can be changed at user’s discretion by activating the integrated adjustment points. Thus the seating furniture is quickly changed into a lying or relaxing mode without great effort. The foot support, equipped with a battery-driven motor, increases lying comfort. The height of the backrest and headrest may be individually adapted to size. The look of the modern shell form harmoniously adapts to the most different living furniture. punto is intended to be a stand-alone piece of furniture without gaining too much dominance.

Design : Stefan Heiliger Design, Frankfurt/Main, Germany (Prof. Stefan Heiliger)