Author Archives: desall

Novecento 2-in-1 Lighting System|Winner Announcement

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Winner Announced for Novecento Two-in-One Lighting System Competition. 

Welcome to the Novecento 2-in-1 Lighting System Contest, a unique collaboration between Desall and Novecento s.r.l. This contest challenged designers to innovate a dual-function LED lamp suitable for large-scale distribution. Novecento, an esteemed Italian lighting company, aspired for a lamp that transitions effortlessly between a flush ceiling light and pendant light. The winning design needed to prioritize user-friendly customization and easy installation, while maintaining a fine balance of aesthetics and cost-effectiveness. 

Participants submitted 369 concepts with the brief reaching 116 countries on 5 continents. Join us as we reveal the designer who brought Novecento’s vision to life!


CONTEST WINNER



Nothelfer, Germany
Nothelfer is a Munich-based design and research duo, expertly fusing the domains of design, new technologies, art, and cultural heritage.  Click the image below to check out Nothelfer’s profile and links.

Images of the winning design will be revealed once the product has been introduced to the market.
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Congratulations to all participants! Stay tuned for more updates on the projects!
In the meantime, pick your next challenge on https://desall.com/Contests

 

Community Spotlight: Product Designer Mirko Rotondi

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT IS A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS FEATURING OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY – THANKS FOR READING! 

MIRKO ROTONDI is a multitalented designer, photographer and composer from Italy and the winner of the Live like a Womo contest. In this interview we chat about his main sources of inspiration and the realization of BOOK, a lighting and sound-absorbing system created for Beta-Calco. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.


Hi Mirko, thank you for joining us today. Can you quickly introduce yourself to our readers?

Thanks for having me. I’m Mirko Rotondi, a Product Designer based near Rome, Italy. I’ve always been involved with creativity and art from a young age, which led me to wear a few hats today not only as a designer, but also as a composer and photographer.

 

Your career in photography has spanned various countries, with publications and exhibitions globally. Can you highlight a few key moments?
Well, since you’re asking! I won the Corbis Award in 2008, and my work has been published in ZOOM Magazine (Italy), Der Spiegel (Germany), GeoKompakt (Germany), Il Sole 24 Ore (Italy), and catalogs for the Biennial of Alexandria and Art Verona, where I also exhibited my work, along with other personal exhibitions in Italy, Finland, and Thailand.

 

That’s quite impressive. Shifting to design, are there any particular collaborations that stand out to you?

Yes, indeed. I’ve had the pleasure to work with several international clients, including Melitta USA, Hairmax, and Beta-Calco. In collaboration with Beta-Calco, we created “BOOK”, a unique lighting and sound-absorbing system that I’m particularly proud of (see gallery).

 

Could you tell us more about the BOOK project and what made it special?
Working on Book was definitely a standout for me. I collaborated with Beta-Calco, a Canadian company, to design something unique – a product that serves as both a lamp and a sound absorber. We tailored it for larger spaces where controlling noise is a real priority, like in conference rooms, offices, or restaurants. Creating Book posed some interesting challenges. For materials, we ended up using 100% recycled polyester fiber for the exterior and extruded aluminum for the core. The aim was to craft something that was minimalist and cost-effective, yet straightforward to manufacture. When we pitched Book to Beta-Calco’s heads, Etan and Remy Silver, they took to it immediately. They loved the idea of a ‘book’ that both ‘illuminates’ and ‘controls’ sound in a space. In the end, we came out with four versions of Book. Two of them both light up and absorb sound, and the other two are just for sound absorption. The project was particularly special to me because it was a balance of practical design, aesthetics, and a dash of narrative inspiration. It’s rare to work on something that strikes that kind of harmony.

 

Speaking of creativity, is there a book or resource you find invaluable to your design process?
I would say “The Laws of Simplicity” by John Maeda. It’s a constant companion that reminds me how unnecessary clutter can be obstructive in life. It’s a trove of wisdom on balance, design, and spirituality that I believe anyone immersed in the world of creativity should explore.

 

Is there a designer or architect whose work you particularly admire?
When it comes to past architects, John Lautner’s visionary approach resonates with me. His designs reflect the Organic Architecture principles set by Wright, beautifully merging nature with innovative materials. Yet, Lautner’s creations go a step further, envisioning living spaces as multi-functional, futuristic forms, often featured in films and photo shoots. As for contemporary designers, Daniel Simon stands out. His specialization in crafting futuristic vehicles for cinema showcases a level of creativity I deeply admire.

 

Where can our readers connect with you online?
You can find me at my website, rotondi.design.


“BOOK” LIGHTING AND SOUND-ABSORBING SYSTEM BY MIRKO ROTONDI FOR BETA-CALCO. 

Community Spotlight: Mirko Rotondi

MAKE YOUR MARK WITH DESALL

ORIGIN: The New Crowdsourced Radiator from IRSAP

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On May 31st, IRSAP announced the release of Origin, the electric radiator born from the creativity of the Desall community.

A testament to collaborative innovation, Origin traces its roots back to a 2019 design contest, an event marked by a surge of creative energy and a common vision for the future of heating. 

Amid the sea of 343 unique ideas, Origin emerged, conceived by award-winning Italian architect and designer, Tommaso Balladore. 

We’re proud to be a part of this exciting jorney alongside our fantastic community of designers and innovators. 

Scroll to see the original work submitted in Interior Décor Radiators by Balladore and visit the official product page for more images. 

(Wait there’s more… check out Polygon, another smart (and award-winning) radiator born in Desall.)

Origin by IRSAP

Origin by IRSAP

Origin by IRSAP

 JOIN THE COMMUNITY ON DESALL.COM

Community Spotlight: Architect Enrico Pavan

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Community Spotlight: Architect Enrico Pavan

WELCOME TO THE DESALL BLOG. THIS POST IS PART OF THE “COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT” SERIES WHERE WE INTERVIEW THE BEST MEMBERS OF OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY. THANKS FOR READING!

ENRICO PAVAN is an independent architect from Northeastern Italy and the winner of Home Climate Wellbeing by IRSAP. In this interview he shares with us his experience working with prominent designers and mastering the balance between functionality and emotion when going from concept to product. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.


Enrico, it’s great to have you with us. Could you start by telling us a bit about your roots and your early years in design?

I’m originally from Lonigo, a small town in the Veneto region, in Northeastern Italy, not far from Venice, where I earned my degree in Restoration Architecture. Fresh from university, I spent the next decade working in various technical offices within different firms, each offering a distinct set of opportunities.

 

You’ve mentioned a transformative period at Kreoo, an Italian company renowned for its exceptional creativity and expertise in marble craftsmanship. Could you expand a bit more on that experience and how it shaped your approach to design?
Absolutely. At Kreoo, I was entrusted with interpreting and bringing to life the ideas of celebrated designers like Enzo Berti and Raffaello Galiotto. This experience offered a deep dive into the dual dance of emotion and functionality in design. Each concept we developed came to us imbued with a unique soul, a set of features designed to stir emotions even before serving its practical purpose. The execution phase, which I consider just as crucial as the creative process itself, is where we made these emotion-evoking features tangible through materials, colors, and geometries. This requires developing an open-mind, and such a flexible approach was a valuable lesson I learned at Kreoo, which continues to shape my work today.

 

After a decade in the industry, you transitioned to independent work and later joined SATO, a vibrant architecture studio. How have these roles enriched your journey?

Yes, not long ago, I made the decision to branch out on my own. This decision opened doors to exciting opportunities, such as working on prestigious projects within historic buildings and high-end residential architectural studios. Now, as part of the SATO studio, I engage in residential architecture and architectural competitions. What I find particularly gratifying is the chance to shape pre-existing spaces into new domestic landscapes, considering their relationship with external surroundings and natural light. It’s a vibrant job that keeps my work life exciting and constantly evolving.

 

We recently celebrated your win in the Home Climate Wellbeing contest by IRSAP. Could you share your experience participating in that competition?
Participating in the IRSAP contest was truly exhilarating. Being selected among many esteemed colleagues was both a thrill and a privilege. The contest challenged me to research the intersection of design, function, and usability and come up with a home radiator that could enhance the experience of spending time indoors. I can’t disclose the details of the winning project at this stage, but I’m looking forward to sharing it when the time comes.

 

That’s fair. Could you perhaps offer some advice for other designers considering entering a design contest?
Certainly. The key, I believe, is understanding the brief thoroughly. The effort Desall puts into providing all necessary information is invaluable, so invest time in reading the brief carefully and commit to brainstorming before diving into the design process.

 

Could you recommend any architects or designers who have greatly influenced your own work and might serve as a source of inspiration to young designers seeking to deepen their understanding of the field?
I would highly recommend exploring the collective works of Italian masters Carlo Scarpa and Bruno Munari. They are incredible architects who have had a profound influence on my work. On the international scene, the contributions of Mies Van der Rohe, Louis Kahn, and Rem Koolhaas are noteworthy. Mies’ work, in particular, has been a significant focus in my studies, and his ethos of creating ‘…achievable necessary so that the work is meaningful…’ deeply resonates with me and serves as a guiding principle in my design philosophy.

 

Where can we find you online?
Readers can connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn.


“NOVA” IS A CONCEPT DEVELOPED BY ENRICO PAVAN FOR THE MARTINELLI LUCE LIGHTING CONTEST.

Community Spotlight: Architect Enrico Pavan

JOIN THE COMMUNITY, ENTER OUR CREATIVE CONTESTS!

Community Spotlight: Amowa Design

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WELCOME TO THE DESALL BLOG. THIS POST IS PART OF THE “COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT” SERIES WHERE WE INTERVIEW THE BEST MEMBERS OF OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY. THANKS FOR READING!

AMOWA DESIGN is a Brazilian studio founded by senior designers Fabiana Westphal and Riorgior Ranger. In this interview, they discuss their award-winning family of outdoor luminaires and their success in two design calls on Desall.com. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.


Hello both and welcome to Community Spotlight. Can you briefly introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello there, this is Fabiana Westphal and Riorgior Ranger. In 2015, we co-founded Amowa Design, a multidisciplinary studio specializing in industrial and graphic design and currently we’re based in Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, Brazil, and one of the most environmentally sustainable cities in Latin America.

 

What’s your professional background?
We have a combined experience of 20 years in graphic design and product development. Before founding Amowa Design, we individually worked with companies in the automotive, internet, and consumer products sectors. We are passionate about creating diverse products and exploring new stories where we can apply our expertise. Our aim is to collaborate with companies and contribute to their unique narratives.

 

Why have you chosen a career in design?
In Brazil, the need to be creative despite limited resources has given us a unique perspective on design. From a young age, we have always been curious about how things are made and how we can improve them. Design has provided us with a means to integrate our curiosity and creativity.

 

Among the many projects you have worked on, is there one that you’re particularly proud of?
One of our proudest projects to date is CityLed, a family of luminaires that we developed for Novvalight. The project won prestigious awards such as the Brazil Design Awards and the Bornancini Prize. The CityLed concept was centered around versatility and affordability: we carefully considered the product’s application in a variety of settings –  public lighting, industrial areas, parks, condominiums, parking lots, airports, and residential areas – and we incorporated intelligent and cost-effective production technologies to ensure that CityLed would be a competitive national product. Sales exceeded our initial targets and continue to grow, even in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which we attribute to its status as a domestic product that is not reliant on imports to serve customers. (Scroll for images of CityLed)

 

What was your experience as users of the Desall platform and as winners of two design contests?
Entering and winning two design competitions on the Desall platform was a rewarding experience for us. It provided an opportunity to showcase our skills and creativity and receive recognition for our work. Developing our designs was challenging yet satisfying, and the feedback we received allowed us to incorporate improvements into our later work. Winning both competitions validated our abilities and provided a great boost to our confidence as designers. We are grateful for the experience and excited to see where it will take us in the future.

 

What books on design would you recommend?
– Elements of Design – Rowena Reed Kostellow
– The Design of Everyday Things – Don Norman
– The Gambiarra Issue: Alternative Product Design From Improvisation – Rodrigo Boufleur
– Brazilian Modern Design – Alberto Vicente and Marcelo Vasconcellos
– Abloh-Isms: 6 – Virgil Abloh and Larry Warsh

 

Some of the designers/architects you most admire?
Designers: Oki Sato – Nendo, Naoto Fukusawa, Campana Brothers, Sérgio Rodrigues, Joe Colombo, Dieter Rams, Chrissa Amuah, Barberorgersby, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Neri Oxman, Ini Archibong and Stefan Diez.

Architects: Oscar Niemeyer, Lina Bo Bardi, Zaha Hadid, Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Francis Kéré, Roberto Burle Marx, Kazuyo Sejima, Ma Yansong – Mad Architects.

 

Where can we find you online?
Readers can connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.


“CITYLED” by AMOWA DESIGN FOR NOVVALIGHT

Community Spotlight - Amowa Design

Community Spotlight - Amowa Design

JOIN THE COMMUNITY, ENTER OUR CREATIVE CONTESTS!

Community Spotlight: Industrial Designer Selena Placino

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WELCOME TO THE DESALL BLOG. THIS POST IS PART OF THE “COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT” SERIES WHERE WE INTERVIEW THE BEST MEMBERS OF OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY. THANKS FOR READING!

SELENA PLACINO is a passionate industrial designer from the Philippines 🇵🇭 and one of the authors of Forest Friends, the cutest collection of baby teethers developed in collaboration with Desall and Chicco. In this interview, Selena talks about how she has gained valuable experience working with established designers and companies and the importance of travel as a source of inspiration and insight for her work. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.


Hi Selena, thank you for joining us, today. Can you briefly introduce yourself to the readers?

Hey everyone, I am Selena Placino, an industrial designer based in Manila, Philippines. In 2018, I graduated from De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Industrial Design and I currently collaborate with start-up brands to create toys, packaging, furniture and more. As a designer, my ultimate goal is to bring to life a wide range of products that have a positive impact on people’s lives. I love challenging myself with new problems and obstacles to overcome.

 

Selena, in spite of your young age you have gained considerable experience in the past years. Tell us more about what you’ve accomplished so far.
After graduating, I had the privilege of training under Kenneth Cobonpue, a celebrated Filipino designer and the first-ever recipient of the Design for Asia Award. I worked closely with him on several furniture designs and even had the opportunity to collaborate with Italian designer Federica Capitani on the Forma collection. Following my time with Kenneth Cobonpue, I spent several years working for A2 Design Lab. This consultancy firm specializes in creating a wide range of consumer products, from sporting goods to baby products. I gained valuable experience working on various projects and further honed my skills as an industrial designer. Later on, I joined an Australian e-commerce brand as an in-house designer. It was here that I began my journey of working with start-up companies, and it was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn more about the practical side of manufacturing, making business decisions that have a direct impact on costs, and being hands-on with sourcing suppliers and manufacturers.

 

Among the many projects you have worked on, is there one that you’re particularly proud of? If so, why?
I love all my work. But the one I’m most proud of is the baby teether collection I designed with Maricar Tarnate and Krisler Manalili for the competition organized by Desall and Chicco. It’s not just any product; it was the first time one of my designs was mass-produced and launched on the market. Being from the Philippines, a country widely known for its handicraft industry, it’s not often that we get the chance to design and sell consumer goods internationally. So, seeing the teething rings I designed on the shelves of shops worldwide was surreal. I even spotted them in Chicco boutiques in my home country and when I visited a Chicco store in Milan. But the best part of it all is seeing photos of babies using these teethers, an incredibly heartwarming feeling.


What is your go-to source of inspiration that you’d recommend to other designers?
In my opinion, the best resource for designers is experience. By welcoming new things into our lives, we can learn so much. Travelling is an excellent example of this. I believe that we should travel as much as possible and take advantage of every opportunity to explore new places, whether it’s locally or abroad. Even walking around an unfamiliar city can be an eye-opening experience with respect to different cultures, people’s habits, new acquaintances, and unconventional art and sights. When I travel, I always try to purchase objects that I find interesting and beautiful and analyze how they were made. Putting ourselves in the thought process gives us a better understanding of how products are created and helps us empathise with our surroundings. It’s by truly understanding what other people see and feel, that we can design products that genuinely help them.

 

The designer/architect you most admire.
The one I look up to the most is Oki Sato of Nendo. What I like most about his studio is that they can design almost anything you can imagine: from architecture to interior design to small objects. Although their creations look simple and minimalist, they always have a certain wit to them that makes people smile. Oki Sato believes that a product should be simple enough to use, but still appeal to people’s emotions, which I try to apply to my work as a designer. When I last visited Japan, I made sure to get myself an object designed by Nendo. I bought the GLOO glue stick that they designed for Kokuyo. It has a square cap to prevent it from rolling off the table, unlike conventional glue sticks with a cylindrical shape. This product is truly one of my favourite items I own.

 

Where can we find you online?
Readers can connect with me via my website and Behance portfolio. I’m also on Instagram @selena.placino

 


“FOREST FRIENDS” CHICCO BABY TEETHERS by SELENA PLACINO, MARICAR TARNATE and KRISLER MANALILI

JOIN THE COMMUNITY, ENTER OUR CREATIVE CONTESTS!

Bestway Unveils New SUP Boards with Co-created Design

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Bestway releases new SUP boards with crowdsourced design by Desall community

Discover how the Desall Community contributed to the birth of two new stand-up paddleboards (SUP) by a global leader in outdoor leisure products.

In 2020/2021 Bestway partnered with our platform to find fresh, creative designs for their new inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUP). Today, we are proud to announce that two boards – Hydro-Force™ Freesoul™ Tech and Aqua Excursion™ Tech – are available on the market. Here’s what happened behind the scenes. 

Bestway, one of the leading brands of water sports equipment, was looking for innovative and versatile graphic design concepts for their new SUP boards. With Desall’s support, Bestway launched a call for entries to find new design solutions aligned with their brand vision and product development needs. The call received numerous submissions from the creative community of designers and innovators with original graphic design ideas, showcasing technical feasibility and brand compliance.

The unique design proposal by Polish visual artist Krzysztof Rogowski impressed the Bestway team. His graphic design solutions were inspired by nature and perfectly aligned with Bestway’s product typology and target audience of sport-loving adults. 

Both boards are constructed with a triple-layer laminated drop-stitch material that provides exceptional strength and rigidity, making the boards durable and lightweight at the same time. Thanks to the inflatable design end users will enjoy a product that is both portable and easy to store. The boards’ versatile features, such as footrest and backrest attachments, removable fins, and daggerboards, enhance their multi-functional ability.

Visual artist Krzysztof Rogowski is the designer behind the graphic design of the new SUP boards by Bestway. In the gallery below: Bestway Hydro-Force™ Freesoul™ Tech

Bestway Hydro-Force™ Freesoul™ Tech
Bestway Hydro-Force™ Freesoul™ Tech

Bestway Hydro-Force™ Freesoul™ Tech

Bestway Hydro-Force™ Freesoul™ Tech

 

 

Bestway Hydro-Force™ Freesoul™ Tech

We are committed to providing a platform where designers and innovators can leverage their talent and collaborate with brands to develop new product solutions. If you have unique design ideas and want to showcase your work, take the next step and participate in our open calls today.