Designs of the Year is the Design Museum London’s annual exploration of the most innovative, interesting and forward-looking work in design of all kinds, from around the world.
The nominated designs fall into seven categories: architecture, digital, fashion, furniture, graphics, product and transport. Nominees could be designed by a practice, team or individual. A winner for each category will be selected by an international jury and one overall winner is awarded Design of the Year.
Branca from Juriaan Booij on Vimeo.
Last year’s winner were British designer Samuel Wilkinson and product design company Hulger for their reinvention of the low energy light bulb, Plumen 001. Designs of the Year 2012 opens at the Design Museum on Wednesday February 8.
The Branca chair, designed by Industrial Facility and manufactured by Italian brothers Mattiazzi, was intended to look familiar to the eye. Mimicking the natural growth patterns of twigs and branches, the Branca backrest and armrests seem to grow seamlessly from just one piece of wood. Carved robotically with work overseen by expert craftsmen at the Mattiazzi factory in Italy, the Branca chair complies to all modern expectations, light enough to carry, easy enough to stack and transport.
