red dot design award 2008
Double success for AGROB BUCHTAL Architectural Ceramics
For any producing business enterprise, the technical and the creative quality of the products are of elementary importance. Contemporary design permits the distinction from the other competitors and satisfies or arouses wishes of the market. Following this philosophy, the brand AGROB BUCHTAL Architectural Ceramics for the first time participated in the renowned competition “red dot award: product design 2008“ with two products. Promptly, the company succeeded in scoring a remarkable double hit in the category “Architecture and Interior Design“.
The ceramic tile series BOSCO won a red dot design award. This is a new creation which is predestined for representative public areas such as e.g. foyers, catering zones, conference rooms or boutiques. The series is fascinating thanks to its expressive colours which convey a harmonious and distinguished flair. This impression is effectively underlined by the unusual formats of 30x120 cm and 60x120 cm. They create an atmosphere of sovereign elegance in XXL size. In addition to these versions for the wall and the floor, the series is also available for all facade systems of the manufacturer. This offers architects the interesting option of realizing a subtle stylistic dialogue between inside and outside. At the development, the company could benefit from its competence as pioneer in the field of ceramic large-size tiles: already at the beginning of the 1970s, the “KerAion“ panels still known today were presented, which caused a sensation world-wide at that time. This experience from decades has been permanently refined and now finds expression in current developments such as BOSCO. |  |
The ceramic tile series GEO with photoluminescent glass indicators was awarded an honourable mention. The exceptional feature is that this solution does not require electric power or batteries: daylight or normal indoor lighting are sufficient to charge and to activate the indicators for the case of emergency. That is why they are always operational as so-called guide system near to ground for showing the life-saving way towards the emergency exit in case of power failure or fire. This is important in so far as in case of fire smoke rises and often obstructs the view of classic emergency exit signs installed at eye level. Potential areas of application are e.g. hospitals, old people’s homes, department stores, cinemas, theatres, hotels, airports or underground stations. This successful symbiosis between functionality and aesthetics also convinced the jury. |  |
Background red dot design award
The origins of the red dot design award go back to the year 1955. Today, it is one of the biggest and most important design competitions world-wide. In 2008, a new participation record was reached: more than 3,200 products from over 50 countries were submitted to the judgement of the top-class jury in 16 different categories. It consisted of 24 experts from Japan, the USA, Chile, Hongkong and many other countries. The evaluation criteria were, among other things, the degree of innovation, functionality, formal quality, emotional content and ecological compatibility. The award-winning products were announced only a short time ago in spring of this year. On June 23, the ceremonial conferment of the certificates will take place at the Aalto-Theatre in Essen. All products winning an award or an honourable mention will be presented on the occasion of the special exhibition “design on stage“ from June 24 to July 27, 2008. The place of this event will be the “Zeche Zollverein” in Essen. With approximately 1,500 products on more than 4,000 square metres, this World Cultural Heritage accommodates the biggest permanent exhibition of contemporary design world-wide. Accordingly proud are we at AGROB BUCHTAL of this double success, which is a motivation for further activities.
Further informations: www.red-dot.de
