Design Academy’s Maarten Baas and Studio Formafantasma have been internationally recognized in this year’s 7th edition of the Milano Design Awards. The best exhibition project of Milano Design Week was selected by an international jury consisting of Luca Cipelletti (Architect and winner of Milano Design Award, 2016), Giorgo Di Salvo (Designer), Evan Orensten (Co-founder and executive Editor at Cool Hunting), Marco Velardi (Editor-in-Chief at Apartamento Magazine) and Olimpia Zagnoli (Illustrator). The criteria were: concept, technology, storytelling and engagement by IED (Istituto Europeo Design).
Maarten Baas, in collaborating with Lensvelt, walked away with the Milano Design Award for Best Concept, while Studio Formafantasma received the Milano Design Award for ‘Best Technology’ as well as the Milano Design Award, 2017 ‘Press Choice.’
Best Concept
Maarten Baas (DAE Alumnus 2002) is a Masters Contextual Design tutor these days. During Milan Design Week, Baas show-cased his latest work in collaboration with Lensvelt.
In Ventura Centrale, Baas opened the doors to one of the vaults, adjacent to one of Italy's busiest railway stations. ‘May I Have Your Attention Please?’ showed an installation of bull horns which emitted a cacophony of whispered voices, representing people’s energy. We live in a world where attention holds as much a currency as money, or power. The installation was made complete with the latest chairs by Maarten Baas. Every chair was unique, just as the individual voices coming from the megaphones were also one-of-a-kind.
The jury awarded their exhibition 'May I Have Your Attention Please?' for the immediacy and theatricality of the concept, which resulted in a fun and memorable experience for all viewers.
Best Technology and Press Choice
Studio Formafantasma consists of Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, both DAE Master graduates (2009). Simone Farresin is now a tutor in the Master Contextual Design, and both Simone and Andrea are teaching in the Bachelor course, Man & Well-Being.
During Salone del Mobile 2017, Studio Formafantasma presented their exhibition ‘Foundation’. It brought together 16 different lighting pieces, ranging from catalogue pieces, recently finished projects, study pieces and works in progress.
The jury awarded their exhibition ‘Foundation’ for how applied technology in a product can create a surprising installation project.