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Breathe by Helen Kontouris, Victoria Side Table by Kain Lucas (of UTE) and Carbonwood by Gary Galego - finalists in the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009
Currently on display in the Gin Garden at Establishment are the works of 10 finalists in the 2009 Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award. The opening night was a buzz of design devotees, gin cocktails and inspiring design - much of which hung from the ceiling so that it could be admired above the crowd. With items such as the "Breathe" couch and the "Carbonwood" bicycle seeming to defy gravity, you could really appreciate the shapes and forms whilst removed from a 'functional' context. We were given a box of postcards, featuring each of the designs...
Peppered Sunlight by Rohan Nicol and other catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009
The winner was announced on 18.11.2009 and our congratulations to Rohan Nicol, whose "Peppered Sunlight" (pictured above) took out the honours. The work is a large pendant light with a choice of three patterned light diffusers. The light emitted is similar to sunlight as filtered through trees.
Victoria Side Table by Kain Lucas (of UTE) and Twist by Adam Cornish - catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009
We were thrilled to discover Kain Lucas had been selected as one of the finalists with his work "Victoria Side Table". Kain was inspired to design the piece whilst overlooking Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour at night. Reminiscent of the movement of water, the Victoria Side Table is made from a single sheet of mild steel that is laser cut then stretched into its bell shape. Kain is the designer behind the rather brilliant products we featured earlier this year in our post titled "design that works". (Fans of UTE are in for a surprise next week on indie art & design - stay tuned!!)
Daily Grind by David Knott, Carbonwood by Gary Galego and Weddell by Marcel Sigel - catalogue cards from the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award 2009
Some of my favourites are pictured above. "The Daily Grind" by David Knott has such a sensual shape & feel. The curved shape of the base has an organic feel - perhaps representing the essence of the coffee beans it contains.
"Carbonwood" by Gary Galego is made from a composite of carbon fibre and wood. It is both environmentally responsible and highly innovative; the fibre cloth strengthens the wood to make a high-performance material. It looks sleek & chic too!
"Weddell" by Marcel Sigel takes inspiration from a liquid. The design mimics wave like structures, and the vertical and lateral ribs sweep and surge up from the floor. The name is derived from a certain type of seal found in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica.
I also really love the unbroken lines of "Breathe" by Helen Kontouris (pictured at the top). The base and "legs" are an integral part of the design, and they flow seamlessly into the arms and seating supports. It is constructed entirely of recyclable polyethylene and aluminium, providing an all-weather solution that is environmentally friendly and able to withstand the harsh Australian sun.
The Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award exhibition for 2009 is showing at the Gin Garden at Establishment, 252 George St, Sydney, until November 30th. It will then travel to Melbourne and Brisbane venues in early 2010.
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