2024 Winner
Extension of Body
by Hui-Chuan Huang
“We share a close relationship with cutlery. We encounter it, hold it, and finally use it to serve ourselves food. The ‘Extension of Body’ collection intends to bring the cutlery even closer to us by the way we clasp it: the curve on the handle is sending physical invitation, guiding the index finger going through the hole. This extra support helps the cutlery to be held firmly; we fell it secure within our hands, as if the cutlery is an extension of our hand to divide food into smaller bite size pieces.
One side of the spoon is designed in a scoop’ish shape. The thin/flat part of the spoon is aimed at collecting thick sauce from the plate.”
Statement by the Judges
A unique and compelling design cleverly demonstrated in simple but effective prototype.
Runner Up
Boundary of Balance
by Dong Ding
“This design is a set of contemporary cutlery explores the boundary between balance and imbalance. This design includes 2 sets of objects –a set of kinetic sculptural frame and a set of interchangeable cutlery parts. The sculptural frames hold cutlery pieces that can be removed and used. Each piece can be disassembled and re-assembled by the user. Creating different compositions can change the state of balance. The piece contains contrasting elements of weight and material. The work is kinetic with moveable parts that invite play. Movement is influenced by counterbalanced components and interchangeable parts. Through interaction with the work, the user is invited to play with the tension between balance and imbalance.”
Statement by the Judges
A playful and inventive design beautifully executed in an elaborate and exciting prototype.
Highly Commended
“Eating together as a family, or at school, or perhaps at a banquet, is an important part of growing up. At the communal table we develop social skills and etiquette, we master the art of listening and sharing, and we learn to appreciate food.
Studies have shown that engaging children in decision-making from a young age empowers them, helping them to feel respected, valued and involved as citizens. We are increasingly detached from where our food comes from. Changes to farming practices and food production, as well as the collapse of the economy and current world politics, mean many people are less able to make healthy choices about what they eat. Such are the urgent issues in which we need to involve children and young people.
By giving a child a beautiful set of cutlery tailored to their needs, we show that we are taking them seriously. As well as being designed for their enjoyment at a stage when they are still learning about the world around them, this set will be appreciated into adulthood, sending home the message that they have an important role a head of them in life-long decision-making, and their views needs to be taken into consideration. We must give children a seat at the table.”
Statement of the Judges
A thought provoking and charming design brought to life with convincing prototype.
A Seat at the Table
by Juliet Hardwicke
Highly Commended
“While they may appear as simple and minimal cutlery, these utensils hold unexpected surprises. Linear, sleek, and seemingly unremarkable, they may not seem like much at first glance. Yet, a delightful surprise awaits those who hold them at their dinner table.
In my jewellery practice, I find joy in the act of concealing elements. The primary inspiration stemmed from the first brooch in my degree collection. It features a hollow structure that appears sealed shut, yet inside the pins are in motion. This realization led me to explore the absence of movement and sound in silverware, and without compromising functionality I designed Anonimo. At first glance, they may seem unremarkable, but upon holding them, a captivating experience unfolds from the appetizer to the dessert course. Anonimo offers a highly functional design characterized by a modern and minimalistic aesthetic. Its playful design seeks to provide a unique sensory experience for diners, aiming to elevate their taste perception through the captivating movement and sound of silver grains cascading along the handle.”
Statement of the Judges
A sleek and elegant design with a surprising and innovative ASMR component.
Anonimo
by Alice Biolo
