RIMOWA CELEBRATES THE THIRD RIMOWA DESIGN PRIZE CEREMONY

Berlin (ots)

RIMOWA is pleased to continue its tradition of supporting German design and emerging talents with the third edition of its eponymous Design Prize. The annual student competition, supported by leading German design schools and an esteemed jury, concluded with an awards ceremony led by Valerie Präkelt at the prestigious Gropius Bau in Berlin.

Following deliberations by the jury, seven finalists were awarded a series of prizes.

First place was awarded to Elisabeth Lorenz and Marc Hackländer (Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd) mentored by Nic Galway for hottie, a discreetly wearable device designed to empower people with periods by combining TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) technology with adjustable heat therapy. A special mention went to Niels Cremer and Tom Kemter (Bauhaus-Universität Weimar) mentored by Pierre Jorge Gonzalez and Judith Haase, for Standalone. It reimagines the forearm crutch, transforming it from a limiting aid into an empowering tool, promoting independence and dignity.

Five other finalist projects were also honoured:

• Jonas Krämer (Folkwang Universität der Künste, Essen) mentored by Dr. Mahret Ifeoma Kupka.
• Marius Kintzel and Julian Solmsdorff (Bauhaus-Universität Weimar) mentored by Katharina Janku.
• Nick Geipel (Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin) mentored by Niklas Bildstein Zaar.
• Sophie Ludwig (Hochschule Pforzheim) mentored by Ute Meta Bauer.
• Jan Stackfleth (Hochschule Anhalt) mentored by Mortiz Krueger.

Each of the seven finalist projects received a monetary award. The winning project was awarded 20.000 Euro, the special mention received a 10.000 Euro prize, and the projects in third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh place each won 5.000 Euro.

ABOUT RIMOWA

RIMOWA is a global leader in premium luggage. Since 1898, it has placed quality and innovation at its core to create functional tools for a lifetime of movement. In the 1920s, RIMOWA introduced aviation-inspired aluminium into the manufacture of its suitcases, an idea that revolutionised the industry and resulted in their iconic grooved aluminium design. In 2000, it pioneered again with the debut of the first polycarbonate suitcase. In 2017, RIMOWA joined LVMH; three years later, it launched Never Still, a collection of bags for daily use that heralded its evolution into a cult mobility brand. In 2023, RIMOWA introduced an unconditional lifetime guarantee covering all suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022. Designed and engineered in Germany, RIMOWA combines a legacy of craftsmanship with the rigours of modern technology. RIMOWADESIGNPRIZE.com

DISCOVER THE RIMOWA DESIGN PRIZE JURY

• Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert, Chief Executive Officer at RIMOWA [Honorary]
• Niklas Bildstein Zaar, Co-founder and Creative Director at sub
• Nic Galway, SVP Creative Direction Product Design at adidas AG
• Pierre Jorge Gonzalez & Judith Haase, Founders & Managing Directors at Gonzalez Haase AAS
• Katharina Janku, CEO at USM Germany
• Moritz Krueger, Founder & Creative Director at MYKITA
• Dr. Mahret Ifeoma Kupka, Curator at Museum Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt
• Ute Meta Bauer, Professor at NTU ADM and Principal Research Fellow at NTU CCA

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FINALISTS’ PROJECTS

WINNER

Marc Hackländer and Elisabeth Lorenz from the Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd, presented their concept hottie, mentored by Nic Galway. Hottie is a discreetly wearable device designed to empower people with periods, addressing menstrual discomfort and combining TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) technology with adjustable heat therapy. Their design effectively relieves period pain, allowing users to stay active and comfortable. The two young designers aim to improve user’s well-being and challenge menstrual stigma.

SPECIAL MENTION

From the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is Standalone, designed by Tom Kemter and Niels Cremer and mentored by Pierre Jorge Gonzalez and Judith Haase. It reimagines the forearm crutch, transforming it from a limiting aid into an empowering tool, promoting independence and dignity. Standalone is a sleek design made from high-quality materials. The innovative fold-out legs enable the crutch to stand independently, freeing up users’ hands. The design transforms the traditional crutch into an ergonomical, user-friendly and customizable companion.

Compath, created by Jonas Krämer from the Folkwang Universität der Künste, Essen under the mentorship of Dr. Mahret Ifeoma Kupka, is a wearable solution designed to support user’s autonomy around mobility throughout different stages of dementia. Compath offers early and continuous support through an intuitive device that provides guidance, reminders, and emergency assistance. The designer hopes to compassionately offer both caregivers and patients a sense of safety and control. Users are encouraged to stay active, while having the peace of mind that Compath will safely guide them home if needed.

Marius Kintzel and Julian Solmsdorff from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar introduced their concept TONBO, a reimagining of the traditional hand truck. Mentored by Katharina Janku, TONBO is made from aluminium and recycled carbon fibers to achieve a lighter, more functional, and aesthetically pleasing design. Inspired by bionic principles, it is ergonomically designed with replaceable handles and 12-inch air tires, ensuring smooth navigation across stairs and uneven terrain. Versatile for a range of needs, TONBO can carry loads up to 100kg.

Layers, designed by Nick Geipel from the Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin and mentored by Niklas Bildstein Zaar, is a bench system that promotes human-cantered design in public spaces. Inspired by urban projects championing inclusive spaces, it creates communal, socially sustainable areas that encourage interaction. Layers is designed with purposefulness and adaptability in mind. Its efficient assembly, and locally sourced materials, such as wood and surplus concrete blocks, ensure sustainability while encouraging for a more inclusive, community-focused urban planning.

Sophie Ludwig from the Hochschule Pforzheim presented Memento, mentored by Ute Meta Bauer. Memento is a digital memory object that honours the legacies of loved ones by securely storing and displaying curated memories. The design is carefully considered, with a gentle glowing display and minimalistic marble base that blends seamlessly into living spaces. Through its app, users can create a digital legacy with photos, videos, and music, which is then transferred to the device for easy access. Memento combines elegance with technology for a thoughtful and communal approach to digital remembrance.

The cAir Pin, designed by Jan Stackfleth from the Hochschule Anhalt and mentored by Moritz Krueger, addresses the global air pollution crisis with a portable device that provides real -timeair quality monitoring and empowers users to make informed decisions based on their currentenvironment. The cAir Pin can be easily connected to smartphone apps, alerting users whenunsafe levels of air pollution are measured, educating them about air pollution and its effects onrespiratory health, and providing personalised tips. The cAir Pin actively contributes to global airquality maps and supports sustainable mobility efforts.