We are delighted, this fat little publication has received the prestigious Red Dot design award. It came as a happy surprise to all of us, hurray! This small, compact little ‘Yellow book,’ features the work of Swedish architect trio Claesson Koivisto Rune and was created by the renown award-winning Stockholm based graphic designer Gabor Palotai. It was published last year, by Skandium, as part of an exhibition we staged on the work of this illustrious trio as part of the London Design Festival (2011). The book comprises Ola Rune’s own sketches, the accompanying text is written by the trio themselves.
Their own personal involvement ensures the book is a light, charming and an utterly delightful assessment of their many years and adventures in architecture and design. And naturally, the book is a treasure trove of Claesson Koivisto Rune’s many projects and products, many of which can be found here at Skandium.
The Red Dot design award dates back to 1955 and is now one of the world’s largest and most distinguished design competitions. More than 14,000 participations from over 70 nations in 2011 alone document the relevance of the internationally sought-after red dot. In 2012, 1,800 companies and designers from 58 countries registered to the “red dot award: product design” and grabbed their chance to prove their design ability in an international comparison with renowned designers and up-and-coming talents. Within the competition's 19 different categories, a total of 4,515 registrations have been submitted. But only the best were awarded. With growing competitive pressure on the international markets, it is now more important than ever for manufacturers to set themselves apart from the competition by proving quality rather than simply pursuing an aggressive pricing policy. Designers are also benefiting from the award: they are using the red dot to present themselves to their clients and as a visual aid that emphasizes their own strength.
NOTES Most of the images selected are of products available from Skandium; Vass cabinet, Rand cabinets, Mira floor mirror, Press magazine rack, Olive chair and Brasilia coffee table. Further Skandium offers table top wear for Skultuna and much more, by CKR. Images courtesy of the book and google images.
