BIID launches first awards programme
(UK) - The British Institute of Interior Design is launching its first ever national awards scheme, The BIID Interior Design Awards.
The inaugural awards will celebrate British interior design and will showcase some of the finest interior design projects completed across the UK.
BIID President Lindsey Rendall comments: “We are delighted to be introducing these exciting new awards in 2022, which will recognise the amazing work of talented interior design teams across the UK. The BIID Interior Design Awards will search the length and breadth of the country to celebrate every type of interior design, from the largest commercial project to the smallest residential dwelling. As the UK’s only professional institute for interior designers, we are hugely excited to be able to celebrate and reward, the truly outstanding work created by our design community.”
Entrants will submit projects based on the regional location of the project. The winners will be awarded across 8 regional categories:
· North
· Midlands
· Central London
· Greater London
· South East
· South West
· Wales and Northern Ireland
· Scotland
All projects shortlisted for the BIID Awards will be visited in person by expert assessors. The judging panel will also award two new landmark prizes overall from the entries. This will include the most prestigious prize, Interior Design of the Year, which will be awarded to the best interior design project in the UK from the regional winners. In addition, the Anna Whitehead Prize, will be awarded to the best achievement in sustainable interior design and is named in honour of late BIID member and sustainability champion, interior designer Anna Whitehead.
The BIID Interior Design Awards will welcome entries from both BIID members and non members, from both residential and commercial sectors, to allow all interior designers in the UK to enter their projects.
The accolades will be awarded at an exciting new awards ceremony, set to take place on 5th October 2022, which will be held at the stunning Drapers’ Hall, London. Drapers’ Hall boasts magnificent interiors which will create a spectacular backdrop to celebrate and reward the very first BIID Interior Design awards.
Entries open on Monday February 7th 2022.
Light + Building 2022 moves to October
(Germany) – Organisers of Light + Building have announced the decision to postpone the 2022 event, originally scheduled for 13-18 March, until the Autumn.
Last December, intensive discussions with customers and event partners caused the show to look at alternatives to the original dates, and now a decision has been reached to hold the show from 2-6 October 2022.
“We took the concerns of our partners very seriously, and of course also weighed up the entrepreneurial opportunities and risks. As already announced in December, all options for a new date were under review. Fortunately we managed to find an attractive autumn date and make it possible through internal rescheduling for Light + Building. This means that the prospect of a strong, international sector launch in Frankfurt in 2022 remains,” said Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt.
The move comes as Covid-19 figures saw an increase in Germany following the appearance of the Omicron variant, while associated travel restrictions led to uncertainty within the lighting, building and safety technology sector.
Roll & Hill - Moonrise
The Moonrise collection comprises a chandelier and two sconces.
The Moonrise collection by Lara Bohinc for Roll & Hill is inspired by the lunar phases, with round and half-round shapes composed in playful compositions that shift from every angle like the moon’s changing shapes throughout its cycle.
"Lighting is like jewellery for the room - it brings sparkle, life and joy to any space," says former jewellery designer Bohinc.
Lake + Wells - Totem
As part of the Passages collection, Totem is designed for tethering.
Designed in collaboration with and for Link Outdoor, Totem by Lake + Wells defines spaces and guards boundaries, marking the passage from one place to another. Inspired by Norse totems and the relationship between earth and human, body and spirit, the solid naturally treated teak base reflects the downward light out, creating a textured, distinguished glow. Totem features a rechargeable battery for wired or wireless operation and is intended for indoor and light outdoor use.
Silhouette Awards winners to be announced
(Global) - The inaugural Silhouette Awards will announce its winners this month.
The event will take place virtually on 31 January where this year's 20 winning mentees will be announced along with who their mentors for the programme will be.
Curated my Parrot PR and Archifos, the Silhouette Awards programme will be focused on identifying the lighting industry’s rising stars and subsequently supporting these young professionals beyond as they progress their careers.
The event is supported by an international panel of judge mentors, who are all highly respected individuals within the lighting industry. These judges will not only select the 20 winners, from all entrants into the Silhouette Awards, but will then formally partner with one of them as their industry mentor for the following six months. Each partnership will be supported by a sponsor.
The Silhouette Awards aims to provide a platform to showcase young industry talent offering much-deserved recognition and publicity for the achievements of all under 35’s to date – and provide the winners the opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the industry.
VISO - Linea
VISO launched its latest collection, Linea. Clean, distinctive lines characterise the Linea glass collection. This modern collection comprises a wall sconce in two sizes and a horizontal suspension featuring a fluted glass shade that diffuses the light in a calming manner while creating a linear array effect.
The collection is available in two standard finishes, polished chrome and anodised gold. LED colour temperature available in 3000K with Triac / ELV dimming options.
Italian Design Brands partners with Axolight
| (Italy) - IDB finalises its eighth acquisition signing a partnership with Axolight.
The agreement envisages an initial entry of IDB in the capital of Axolight through a minority stake, that will be increased over the next two years according to predefined agreements between the parties. Giuseppe Scaturro, Managing Director of Axolight, not only will remain at the head of the company with full responsibility and operational independence, but will also remain a key shareholder. As successfully occurred in the previous deals of the Group, this approach will allow Scaturro – who in the last three years has engaged in a significant restructuring process to achieve a correct positioning of the brand Axolight on its reference market – to continue to lead the company’s ambitious growth plans. At the same time, the manager will be able to count on the support and synergies derived from belonging to the group, with ambitious objectives such as the future listing on the Stock Exchange. The deal has a significant strategic importance for Italian Design Brands, allowing the group to further consolidate its international presence. Axolight, with headquarters in Scorzé (Venezia), boasts a strong presence abroad, with an export quota of approximately 85% of its revenue. The main market is north America, where the company is present with Axolight USA, based in Danbury (Connecticut) and 100% owned by Axolight. With the entry of Axolight, the group counts eight portfolio companies and enriches its offer in a strategic sector such as lighting, where IDB already operates with Davide Groppi and Flexalighting. In the first semester 2021, the companies registered a growth of 74% compared to the same period of 2020 and of 39% compared to pre-pandemic 2019. IDB’s role, targeting long-term expansion, will be to support the CEO Giuseppe Scaturro in the process of reinforcing the organisation and the sales network of the company, in order to accelerate its development seizing the existing growth opportunities. Andrea Sasso, Chairman e CEO di IDB, says: “We are very happy to welcome Axolight in our Group. The story of Giuseppe Scaturro really impressed us: a man with a previous experience in finance who decides to embark on an entrepreneurial challenge in the world of lighting, that is remarkable. The enthusiasm of this entrepreneur-manager in pursuing ambitious goals conveys a great confidence for the future. We are certain that the work Scaturro has done in these years will bring further growth to the company”. Giorgio Gobbi, Managing Director of IDB adds: “We think this deal is very strategic for IDB. The range of Axolight products is the perfect enrichment for our supply in the Lighting world and will allow us to be even more competitive in the contract business, in particular in corporate and hospitality projects, where Axolight’s characteristics and experience are key factors of success”. Giuseppe Scaturro, Managing Director of Axolight says: “The pool of opportunities that can be generated with the entry of Axolight in IDB is so ample that several joint operative activities – strategic, industrial and managerial – began even before signing the agreement that formalised our partnership. IDB’s industrial vision, wholly focused on the high-end design segment, and the managerial know-how with which the Group is able to support and facilitate the activity of each company, provide an extraordinary element for growth for Axolight”. |
ICFF + Wanted Design a success
(USA) - ICFF, one of North America’s leading platform for contemporary furnishing design, and WantedDesign Manhattan, a trade event for high-end North American studios and international emerging designers, wrapped up their first in-person and co-located event on November 14-15, 2021, to positive acclaim from exhibitors, editors and the trade community alike.
Together the two trade fairs welcomed 230 established and emerging design brands from 19 countries, all featuring new, innovative and design-driven products for the residential, contract and hospitality markets—including furniture, lighting, kitchen and bath, textiles, seating, wallcoverings, carpet and flooring, accessories and materials.
“After a 30-month hiatus, it was gratifying to come together again in person to experience the new designs our industry has been producing behind the curtain, and to celebrate the perseverance of the community,” says Phil Robinson, Show Director, ICFF.
WantedDesign co-founders Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat add: “For WantedDesign Manhattan, bringing the show from our original venue to the Javits with the same creativity, energy and welcoming experience, while focusing on emerging design to complement what ICFF offers, was our main goal. We knew it was a challenge, especially in today’s context, and we are thrilled with the results. We see the importance of in-person shows and the potential for making ICFF + WantedDesign Manhattan the No. 1 destination for the design industry. We look forward to May 2022!”
Combined, the two design fairs brought more than 4,000 architects, interior designers and contemporary retailers to the Javits Center in New York. By co-locating with the 2021 BDNY trade fair, one of the leading shows for the hospitality design industry, that number tops 9,700.
Some of the highlights of the show included conversations with leading industry and rising stars alike - from Ini Archibong and Dror Benshetrit to the Emerging Designers Showcase - throughout the two days at the ICFF+WantedDesign Manhattan Talks and the Float Studiodesigned lounge.
WantedDesign’s Launch Pad, a platform for emerging designers to showcase new concepts and prototypes presented with media partner Design Milk and sponsored by American Standard, announced its 2021 winners: Echo Zhan for Lighting and Tomma
Bloom for Furniture/Accessories.
A jury of celebrated design editors honoured 13 standouts for the ICFF Editors Awards, including Opiary for Best in Show.
Bandido won in the Lighting category.
Next year, ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan will take place May 14-16, 2022. The ICFF+WantedDesign Manhattan Opening Night Party will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the Javits Overlook. ICFF will continue its 16-year partnership with Bernhardt Design to bring the next generation of emerging talent to the forefront through the juried ICFF Studio competition.
WantedDesign Manhattan will bring back Look Book, a dedicated programme for high-end North American designers, makers, and studios that serves as an in-person portfolio for the A&D community, and Launch Pad, an outstanding international platform for emerging designers that introduces new concepts and showcases prototypes of furniture, home accessories, and lighting.
ICFF+WantedDesign Manhattan Talks will continue in 2022 with a lineup of panel sessions, keynote presentations and intimate conversations to provide critical context for how to stay ahead in the residential and commercial design spheres.
The ICFF Editors Awards will be back to celebrate the best products across both ICFF and WantedDesign Manhattan.
In the meantime, ICFF.com will continue to be a year-round resource for design news, projects, products and inspiration.
LZF’S dinner party celebrates World Design Capital 2022
(Spain) - LZF hosted a dinner party in the garden of its factory. Beneath a galaxy of lights, international guests gathered to celebrate Valencia and the city’s status as World Design Capital 2022.
Valencia was awarded the designation of World Design Capital 2022 owing to its rich and enduring design legacy. In choosing Valencia, the World Design Organisation highlighted the city’s effective application of Mediterranean design, particularly related to promoting change and improving quality of life.
LZF belongs to a creative community in Valencia that values the importance of working together. To design and manufacture its collection of lamps, LZF has collaborated with the region’s artisans, artists, designers, film-makers, innovators, musicians, poets, technicians, writers, and more.
In every part of the factory’s garden, LZF’s array of handmade lights were joined by exemplary artisanal furnishings. The event’s premise: that ‘design is about working together’.
New Male Supporter pledge on the WIL website
(UK) - As part of its celebration of International Mens Day on 19 November, Women in Lighting (WiL) has added a new section to its website.
Anyone wanting to become a male supported can sign up online and make a series of simple pledges to commit to being a male ally.
"We acknowledge that this is not a role that is necessarily simple and straightforward. Many men will not instantly know how to be an ally and we understand it takes time to figure out gender equity," says WiL. "If you want more understanding before you make the pledge, we have some suggested reading for you. If you make the pledges, you will be featured on the website as a male supporter."
To find out more about how to be an ally, head to arc magazine's latest article from Male Supporter Neil Knowles of Elektra Lighting.
Zaha Hadid Architects transitions to employee ownership
(UK) – Through its recently established Employee Benefit Trust, Zaha Hadid Architects has transitioned to employee ownership.
Building on the vision of Zaha Hadid to entrust the practice to the friends and colleagues with whom she collaborated for several decades, the switch to employee ownership is a move that the studio feels will be beneficial long term.
A statement from ZHA said: “As the Trust has no external shareholders, we can now reinvest all profits back into the business, into our people, equipment and facilities to the benefit of all our employees; allowing us to prioritise our work with visionary clients, communities and industry experts around the world to advance the quality of the built environment.
“Building upon the experimentation and pursuit of discovery that Zaha so championed, we embrace new ideas and technologies to deliver a repertoire of projects that become more spatially inventive, more structurally efficient, more technologically advanced and more sustainable with each new design.
“Younger generations of architects are demanding our profession become more accessible and egalitarian. Supported by independent and transparent organisational systems and structures, employee ownership of ZHA will cultivate the skills and diversity that drives our decision-making and give every member of our team a voice in shaping our future.”
imm cologne 2022 cancelled
(Germany) – Originally scheduled for January 2022, imm cologne has been cancelled, event organisers have announced.
The executive board of Koelnmesse reached this decision in close consultation with the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM) and in agreement with other industry representatives at the international level.
“This step is restricted exclusively to imm cologne and its specific requirements for trade fair operations,” said COO Oliver Frese. “We are principally planning, as before, to carry out our Spring events in 2022. The political guidelines allow for this and, following the excellent and safe course of the past Autumn trade fairs, this must remain our mission in the interests of the participating industries.”
Jan Kurth, CEO of the VDM, added: “Following consultation with numerous exhibitors, industry representatives and trading partners, there is either no question of participation on the part of German exhibitors or exhibitors from the German-speaking region, or this is very much in doubt.”
Frese continued: “We didn’t make this very bitter decision easy for ourselves, but consider it to be our obligation to take this step now in close consultation with the industry. We are currently working actively on options for also still being able to offer exhibitors of imm cologne an attractive trade fair presence at the international level.”
Koelnmesse, together with the VDM and the exhibiting industry, are now looking ahead to 2023, when imm cologne will return.
