We’re thrilled to present the inaugural Wallpaper* Smart Space Awards, which provided us with the perfect excuse to dive into the worlds of domestic technology and product design. The panel of judges included architect Tosin Oshinowo, of Nigerian practice CM Design Atelier (part of our 2021 Architects’ Directory); artist, musician and designer Yuri Suzuki; and Harrods’ retail manager Veronica Forin, together with Wallpaper’s editor-in-chief Sarah Douglas and transport & technology editor Jonathan Bell. The five sifted through a substantial pile of entries, searching for objects that inspire, and technology that’s designed to last. As always, the winners are very Wallpaper*, a celebration of undeniable beauty, striking design and intuitive function.
The winners of the first-ever Wallpaper* Smart Space Awards
MOST FUTURISTIC FURNITURE ‘OE1’ workspace collection, by Herman Miller
Designed by Industrial Facility’s Sam Hecht and Kim Colin for Herman Miller, ‘OE1’ is a system of modular objects that can reshape the open-plan office into a more intimate or expansive area. Accommodating different working patterns, it acknowledges that continual change needs to be made easier for all.
MOST ILLUMINATING LIGHTING ‘Everyday’ lamps, by Stellar Works
Neri & Hu’s ‘Everyday’ ceiling and wall lamps for Stellar Works are deliberately quotidian. Straightforward, simple and unpretentious, they evoke memories of lamps of a bygone era, while also remaining resolutely modern and sleekly elegant. A design offering a welcome respite from excessive fuss.
HAPPIEST HEALTH GIVER ‘HealthProtect 7470i’ air purifier, by Blueair
There’s nothing like a spot of enforced indoor time to remind us how much we need to breathe fresh air. Not only does Blueair’s ‘HealthProtect 7470i’ combine advanced filtration systems with a near-silent operation, but the industrial design isn’t too shabby either. Health-giving technology can also be easy on the eye.
MOST TIMELY TRANSPORTATION ‘Angell’ e-bike, by Angell
One of a new generation of e-bikes that fuses sleek lines with the convenience and speed of assisted pedalling, ‘Angell’ features an aluminium frame and details shaped by Ora ïto, as well as a touchscreen that tracks calories and location. Judge Tosin Oshinowo dubbed it a ‘brilliant hybrid of function and design’.
MOST ELOQUENT SPEAKER Speaker, by Sound-Aesthetics
Designer Albert de Graaf’s innovation is to turn the speaker into a standalone framed object, bringing high-fidelity and high art to your wall. Rather than hide sonic technology away, de Graaf and his team continue to curate new series of artworks, all underpinned by a solid premium speaker system.
SMARTEST DESIGN + TECH COLLABORATION ‘ColorPro VP2776’ monitor, by ViewSonic
ViewSonic’s ‘ColorPro VP2776’ monitor was selected because of its attention to detail, purity of form and emphasis on tonal perfection. With integrated colour calibration tools, as well as an integrated desk light, the ‘VP2776’ appealed to the jury’s creative minds.
MOST ILLUMINATING LIGHTING ‘Team Home Table’ light, by Tobias Grau
Admirably minimal, this table lamp drew praise from our judges for its restrained aesthetic. Pitched at home offices, it uses LED technology to deliver professional quality lighting in a domestic environment, raising wellbeing, reducing eye strain and adapting to a comfortable colour temperature throughout the working day.
LIFE ENHANCING OBJECT ‘PureVis’ water bottle, by Larq
Much more than a traditional metal water bottle, the ‘PureVis’ comes with an integrated UV-C LED light that will neutralise the vast majority of water-borne germs. Oshinowo described it as ‘an aesthetically pleasing product that combines wellness and sustainable consumption’. Plus, we love its pared-back packaging.
MOST TACTILE TECH DESIGN ‘R1 MK4’ radio, by Ruark
The ‘R1’ is a modern classic, and its new MK4 iteration features DAB+ and Bluetooth connectivity on top of the traditional FM and timeless look. The handcrafted slatted wood gives it a familiar warmth, and we were also taken by Ruark’s emphasis on recyclable packaging and ease of repair.
MOST SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Laptop, by Framework
An impressive diversion from the short-lifespan world of consumer goods, Framework’s first laptop is designed to be truly modular and easily upgradeable. The San Francisco-based company incorporates off-the-shelf parts, easy access to the case, extra drive bays and strong after-sales support. This one could run and run.
SMARTEST DESIGN + TECH COLLABORATION ‘ReMarkable 2’ tablet, by Remarkable
Another futuristic idea brought to life, this device’s seamless blend of traditional writing and digital storage offers the tactile delight of paper with infinite storage. Praised by our jury for its elegant design and traditional nuances, ‘ReMarkable 2’ is also one of the world’s thinnest tablets.
BRIGHTEST USE OF COLOUR ‘Bespoke’ refrigerator, by Samsung
By creating a refrigerator with interchangeable panels, Samsung’s ‘Bespoke’ system opens up a world of choices, with 14 different colourways that include bold statements, soft pastels and sleek monochromes. A rare departure from the norm in a very conservative sector, it opens doors to more eccentric and eclectic aesthetics.
MOST INTELLIGENT DOMESTIC DEVICE ‘Crue’ touchless faucet, by Kohler
A simple idea, deployed with timeless style by Kohler. The ‘Crue’ is a kitchen tap that operates via a touch sensor, a useful addition for the busy cook who can simply wave a hand or a pan in the direction of the motion controller. Naturally, conventional operation is also possible.
SLEEKEST PORTABLE SPEAKER ‘Roam’ smart speaker, by Sonos
Sonos is best known for its whole house sonic ecosystems, the kind that wirelessly waft music into every nook and cranny of your home. The company’s first true portable speaker is a clear winner for its simple set-up, pleasant form language and ability to segue with your existing Sonos kit.
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