From the Series
Given the number of participating countries and competition categories, the A' Design Award is the worlds' largest design accolade that brings designers, architects, artists, brands and companies from across the globe under the same roof. The 2015-2016 Edition included 1276 winners from 88 countries in 9 different design disciplines.
Considering the increased quality and quantity of works, it has been noted that this year was much harder and included fiercer competition then previous years. Entries were carefully evaluated by an internationally influential jury panel of established academics, prominent press members, creative design professionals and entrepreneurs who devoted great care and attention to details while voting for each entry and award category.
While the 2015-2016 Edition is over, entry to the 2016-2017 competition is currently open. Interested designers, artists, architects and companies can register and submit their works and get further information regarding the design competition such as evaluation criteria, key dates, list of jury members, entry forms and presentation guidelines.
Established to create awareness for good design practices and principles, the ultimate aim of the A’ Design Award & Competition is to build strong incentives for designers, companies and brands from all countries to come up with better products, services and systems that benefit mankind.
We’ve rounded up some of the most impressive winning designs in the social impact category.
Shelter Pack is a flat pack, easy to transport shelter which is 12 square meter and easy to assemble. It can be built in just few hours and can sustain a family of four for months following a disaster. Every unit features 4 single beds, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, and foldable dining table and storage spaces. Since the system is out of touch with ground, heat loss from the floor and blowing in wind are avoided. With its angle adjustable legs, system can be installed in sloping lands as well.
WinterHYDE is a fully insulated and lightweight life-saving emergency tent that protects homeless, refugees and disaster-displaced families in cold regions who are the most vulnerable against winter cold. It boasts a tool-less installation that takes less than 15 minutes and does not need anchoring. It is designed for localized production, thus able to create jobs and reduce environmental footprint. WinterHYDE does not provide a poor solution to the poor, it provides a dignified solution.
Backslash Communication by Pedro Oliveira & Xuedi Chen
Backslash is a space to research the relationship between protests and technology, cultivating dialog about freedom of expression, riots and disruptive tech. The Backslash kit is a collection of functional devices designed and built to facilitate communication in areas of conflict. A fast deployment router, a wearable that can notify others blocks before entering a conflict area, or a way to keep your phone from being track and identified.
ResQ TRU Temporary Rescue Unit by 111ARQ & Israel Lara
A cabin in case of earthquakes, floods, natural disasters, tsunami, the ResQ TRU Temporary Rescue Unit is able to adapt to two positions and is padded to avoid injuries. It features GPS connected to a seismic alert in addition to backup system alert, and its shape resembles a capsule, which helps with the even distribution of impact.
