Crystal conscious

Winners of Swarovski's third annual Designers of the Future Award present their projects at Design Miami/ Basel

The forward-thinking award winners were selected by a panel of expert judges for their vanguard approach and future-seeking use of new technologies. This year's trio of sparkling creatives are Taiwanese architect Jimenez Lai, Tokyo's Takt Project, and Dutch designer Marjan van Aubel.

Using Swarovski's storied crystals as inspiration, each designer was challenged to create a project on the theme of sustainability – 'whether it's up-cycling or the implementation of solar energy or the implementation of cutting edge 3D printing technology,' explains board member Nadja Swarovski. 

The designers have merged their creations into one, cohesive environment for Design Miami/Basel, in an immersive installation that seems to sum up the Award's motto, 'the future is bright'. Until 19 June. Courtesy Gillian Dobias / Laura Bushell

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.