a record 2,094 winners from 108 countries have been recognized by the 2021 A’ design award and competition edition. the annual platform recognizes and promotes the very best products, projects, services and their creators, in turn spurring global design and creativity to higher levels. 2021 continued this notion with winners spread across 104 different design disciplines, including furniture, decorative items and homeware design; building and structure design; and interior space and exhibition design. designboom curates a selection of winning projects, below, but see the full set of 2021 winners, here.
the winners were carefully and duly picked by a panel of renowned jury members, composed of established press, creative professionals and more. each one is rewarded with the A’ design award – a symbol of excellence in the international design industry. these are divided into five different distinctions: platinum, gold, silver, bronze and iron. laureates benefit from a highly sought after winners kit, including a trophy, certificate and book, as well as both PR and marketing services. finally, winners are invited to attend a gala-night and award ceremony in italy that offers a perfect opportunity for networking.
with the show setting on the 2021 edition, entries into the A’ design award and competition 2022 are now open. inspired designers, artists, architects, companies and entrepreneurs alike can register and submit their work now, here.
living the noom by sanzpont
image credit sanzpint arquitectura, renders and layouts, 2021
name: living the noom
architect: sanzpont
award: platinum
category: architecture, building and structure design
set for construction in cancun, mexico in june 2021, living the noom by sanzpont arquitectura is a conceptual housing proposal that breaks the mold. it aims to create a community that values nature, art and animals on three main levels: wellness living, sustainability and flexible living. the organic towers offer four habitable stories topped with a penthouse and roof terrace. lush gardens and a pool surround the houses on the ground.
shelter by joão teixeira
image credit 2021 joão teixeira
name: shelter
designer: joão teixeira
award: platinum
category: furniture, decorative items and homeware design
the shelter desk by joão teixeira unites function and aesthetics in the home office. it improves users’ productivity with an organized layout of elements, including hidden cable management and easy storage access to keep surfaces clean. the structure itself is shaped with rounded corners and aligned parts to create a seamless, singular design.
wandering in the woods by L and M design lab
image credit photographer hu yijie, children playing under the slide, 2019
name: wandering in the woods
designer: L and M design lab
award: platinum
category: interior space, retail and exhibition design
in south china, L and M design lab transforms a large, poorly lit structure into the wandering in the woods kindergarten. a three-storey atrium floods the spaces with natural light, including all of the classrooms. its structural columns become trees whereas beams become bridges for a forest-like spatial effect. the stairs and slides spiral around these ‘trees’, connecting different areas and even special ‘tree houses’ where children can privately read and complete homework.
alex by peter ellis and gabriel tam
image credit jackie chan
name: apex
designer: peter ellis and gabriel tam
award: golden
category: lighting products and projects design
peter ellis and gabriel tam design the apex cordless lamp as a celebration of the 25-year anniversary of the NEOZ magill lamp. its pure geometric form remains similar, with the internal cone helping to emit a warm ambience perfect as a task light. the glare-free downlight is suited for any tablescape, from hospitality to residential use. made from either solid brass or anodized aluminum in six colorways, the design is tactile to handle and simple to recharge.
villa 22 by dreessen willemse architecten
image credit photographer hugo thomassen
name: villa 22
architect: dreessen willemse architecten
award: platinum
category: architecture, building and structure design
completed in 2019 near the meuse river in the south of the netherlands, villa 22 by dreesen willemse architecten sits on a slope of 22 degrees. nature is only a step away, and water is a key feature for the private home as well as its actual construction. with a geometric interplay, there is an alliance between the hard, unyielding nature of the concrete, the warm appearance of the elm wood and the rippling water of the swimming pool.
memoria by sergio sesmero
image credit sergio sesmero
name: memoria
designer: sergio sesmero
award: golden
category: furniture, decorative items and homeware design
memoria by sergio sesmero is a mysterious, surprising chair. it appears as if a literal balance between maximalist and minimalist, revelation and concealment. although seemingly impossible, users sit on a durable, supportive concrete fabric. this is manufactured through a 3D-printed PLA mold, which is fully recyclable and reusable.
zhongshuge by li xiang
image credit photographer shao feng, dujiangyan zhongshuge, 2020
name: zhongshuge
designer: li xiang
award: golden
category: interior space, retail and exhibition design
located in the city of dujiangyan, china, zhongshuge by xiang li is a bookshop inspired by the area’s affinity with water. the local landscape is recreated inside to depict an elegant yet powerful artistic setting. grey tiled bookshelves welcome guests, extending into adjacent columns to form the actual fabric of the space. these shelves rise up over two floors, providing many quiet areas to sit and read.