Designs for life

Innovation and ecology were key at this year’s Henry van de Velde Awards

A BuzziBooth acoustic cocoon sits in an open workspace, allowing you to shut yourself off for a time-out. A removable barrier provides solitude or the ability to chat with a workmate across the way

On 17 January, the region’s finest designers gathered at the Flemish Parliament for the presentation of the Henry van de Velde Design Awards & Labels. The awards have been presented every year since 1994 and honour the work of young Flemish talent, established designers, companies, eco-design and extraordinary products.

The Henry van de Velde awards, named after the innovative Flemish painter, architect and interior designer who died in 1957, are highly coveted by local designers and were issued in the presence of Flanders’ minister-president Kris Peeters and minister for culture Joke Schauvliege.

A jury composed of designers from different disciplines chooses the winners. “For the 2011 awards, the ecological aspect of the products and designs was important,” says Leen Depooter, jury member for five years. The award for the best design company went to the Antwerp-based BuzziSpace, which specialises in multi-functional products for homes and workspaces. The company emphasises an environmental approach in production and packaging.

As always, innovation is vital. “I’m pleased the jury chose Sara De Bondt for the Young Talent award,” says Depooter. “She’s a graphic designer based in London, who constantly adds new content to the graphics discipline. She has a very cutting-edge way of working.”

De Bondt says she is “very happy and honoured” with the prize. “I was planning to publish two books via my publisher Occasional Papers and will now be able to do so thanks to the cash prize. The timing could not have been better.”

Not in it for the money

Next to new products and talent, established designers also get recognition. This year, the career award went to Sofie Lachaert. “She’s such a talent,” Depooter says. “Even though the jury members all have their own subject of interest, the work of Lachaert was praised by all of them. She’s been analysing and re-inventing herself throughout the years, which continually resulted in fresh creations.”

“It’s a positive message that stimulates me to go on without looking back,” says Lachaert, who also has a few words of advice for budding creators. “Work as hard as you can and don’t just scratch the surface. Look out for more; investigate your branch of knowledge. Don’t become a designer for the money or the fame, but make it your way of life.”

Flemish public waste agency OVAM, partner of the Henry van de Velde Awards, also issued two Ecodesign Pro Awards. The award for a product on the market went to Hegge ID for its LWD project, which develops lighter and more sustainable materials for automobiles. The award for a product in development went to Raf Van Hulle for its Solarwind electric bicycle.

As well as the awards, eight products received a Henry van de Velde label in recognition of their authenticity, innovation, finish and added value. Winners include Christophe Vervaeke’s Cyclo Rug, made of used bicycle tyres, and the BuzziBooth acoustic cocoon workplace by Alain Gilles.

All projects and designs that received awards will be on free public display this month.