arena DESIGN 2009
The premiere edition of arena DESIGN is now concluded!
On 3-6 June 2009, Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie saw the debut of arena DESIGN event - the new cyclic project dedicated to contemporary design, industrial design and architecture.
This premiere edition has received very positive feedback from participants, primarily comprising the designer community, arts and technology oriented universities, associations, and institutions promoting design. The idea to provide designers and entrepreneurs with a dialog platform has also been appreciated by exhibitors of concurrent trade shows, namely MEBLE, BIURO, HOME DECOR and BUDMA INTERIOR. Everyone has confirmed the immense need for organising such events, and a growing interest in design in the Polish industry.
The greatest advantage of this show turned out to be its impressive programme of events, including lectures and discussion panels with numerous renowned designers, who have been cooperating with leading global brands for many years now, along with academicians involved in educating trainee designers, managers of companies that shape their image by superb design,
as well as representatives of organisations promoting design. Visitor turnout was particularly impressive at the lectures delivered by both special guests of arena DESIGN - Manfred Dorn (representing Phoenix Design studio) and Tassilo von Grolman - followed by a discussion between designers and entrepreneurs focused on chances, best practices, but also potential problems regarding cooperation in the development of new industrial designs.
The comprehensive exposition presenting trends in contemporary European design also enjoyed a very positive reception.
The centre of the pavilion was occupied by the eye-catching TOP DESIGN exhibition, featuring ten products nominated for Stage Two of TOP DESIGN award 2009 Competition. On the first day of arena DESIGN 2009, competition results were announced and three winners were selected, representing different theme groups. Prizes were awarded for the following products:
ODYSSEY 450 Vacuum Cleaner, manufactured and entered by ZELMER S.A., designed by Stanisław Półtorak from TRIADA DESIGN studio; - S 360 F FLN Chair manufactured by THONET, entered by KARUD, designed by DELPHIN DESIGN studio
- and PURA VIDA Faucet, manufactured and entered by HANSGROHE Sp. z o.o., designed by PHOENIX DESIGN studio.
In addition to the main prizes, the Jury of TOP DESIGN award 2009 Competition decided to award an honourable mention to MISHELL collection, entered by BALMA DESIGN Ryszard Balcerkiewicz, designed by Piotr Kuchciński.
Much interest was generated by an exhibition of the best known works by Tassilo von Grolman. Truly compelling expositions were prepared by the Silesian Castle of Art and Enterprise in Cieszyn, and the innovative Swedish Möbelriket cluster, associating furniture designers and manufacturers who are jointly implementing the idea of so-called sustainable design. The exhibition area also saw presentations from leading Polish universities with design faculties - from Poznań, Kraków, Łódź, Katowice, Gliwice and Koszalin.
For the four days in June, the entire city of Poznań was breathing design. Initiated by Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie, the campaign entitled city lives for design encompassed an attractive programme of exhibitions and workshops organised by Poznań-based companies, universities, as well as local and regional authorities. Thanks to cooperation between numerous partners, an interesting and varied offer was created for all the designers, architects, students and enthusiasts of design who came to Poznań in such large numbers.
One of the eminent guests at arena DESIGN 2009 was Li Edelkoort, the long-time Chairwoman of the world's best school of design - Design Academy Eindhoven - and currently a trend forecaster and unquestioned design expert.
arena DESIGN 2009 was an event accompanying the biggest furniture and interior design shows in Central and Eastern Europe, namely MEBLE, HOME DECOR, BUDMA INTERIOR and BIURO, which were held simultaneously. Over the four days, the comprehensive exposition attracted a total of over 20 thousand visitors!
We would like to express our gratitude to all people who contributed to the success of the first edition of arena DESIGN. We look forward to meeting you in 2010!
Guests of arena DESIGN 2009
