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After six months of intense product development, almost 100 sustainable design products are made


Home office furniture line made of recyclable materials, an acoustic panel of textile industry waste, glass jars inspired by diatoms and the list goes on: the products created during the second design LAB are incredibly diverse. However, they do have one thing in common: the creations that needed six months of intensive research and product development are all characterised by sustainability and innovation. The collaboration of seven manufacturers and designers resulted in almost 100 unconventional and environmentally conscious production-ready creations. The development of the creative industry and its innovative and incentivising nature play an accentuated role in strengthening our country’s image. The objects made during the incubational programme unequivocally prove this, and they stand their ground not only at domestic but international exhibitions.

The Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency launched the second edition of the successful design LAB incubation programme in the spring of 2021, which provided an opportunity to create valuable and unique production-ready Hungarian products. Designers and manufacturers could apply to the programme together with a joint project. The Agency aided the creation of successful cooperations by organising a networking event, Speed Dating. The focus of the 35 tenders was ideas for sustainable design products. Based on the professional decision, seven designer-manufacturer pairs received financial support and could start manufacturing their products. The joint work has recently finished, and the production-ready creations are of an outstanding standard once again.

The collaboration between Árkossy Bútor Kft. and Máté Horváth resulted in the JEAN clothing rack project. Sustainability was crucial objective when creating the product’s parts: the metal pieces are made from recycled materials, and some wood elements are produced with minimal waste. Flaar Mérnöki Tervező és Szolgáltató Kft. and Lehel Juhos created the HORIZON carbon fiber reinforced composite table. By making the table, they aim to fully exploit the potential of the alternatives provided by the composite material and the particular technology in the case of a piece of furniture with unusual proportions and characteristics. Kárpitos Partner Group Bt. and Annabella Hevesi created the Dedas modular seating furniture line, defined mainly as spectacular elements of public spaces. Owing to their modularity, the armchairs/sofas can be made at any length. Due to their sustainability, they can be dismantled and repaired at any time, thus extending the product’s life cycle.

Meshlin Composites Zrt.’s and Apol Temesi’s SOUND WOOL acoustic panel revives Hungarian and regional wool residues using their own technology. The product’s three-dimensional surface specifically aids acoustic performance, and the custom-pressed interior architecture panels also provide excellent damping. The joint project of Rotte Kft. and Sára Kele is the CoTangens furniture line, the little brother of the successful Tangens furniture line. The curved round bar gives the furniture an interesting design. The product line’s fundamental values are curved shapes, variability, mobility, and sustainability. The designer and manufacturer dedicate their work to community spaces where valuable human encounters and discussions can take place freely. The collaboration between SIXAY Bt. and Máté Horváth, UPP!, is an ergonomic office furniture line aiming to create an ecological, ergonomic, friendly work environment close to people and nature where office work takes place in a healthier and more pleasant atmosphere. The office furniture line is made of 100% recycled materials such as solid wood, and the table’s covering is made of natural materials, while the surface treatment comes from a natural source as well. Üvegmanufaktúra Kft. and Position Collective created the CEL lamp line consisting of suspenders based on handmade, blown glass technology in Hungary. The project intends to emphasise the translucent nature, colourability, and layerability of glass.

The successful design LAB’s main goal remains to strengthen the collaboration between industry actors, to develop and modernise the Hungarian manufacturer background. Based on the feedback, the participants were content with the programme both from professional and business aspects. They believe the programme is an indispensable opportunity as participation allows designers to bring their ideas to life in collaboration with manufacturers, with as few compromises as possible. In addition, not only unique products have been created, but valuable professional relationships have also been established between the participants, which further helps the industry’s players to assert themselves and succeed.

                                                                                                                                       

Details of the third design LAB incubation programme

Manufacturers and product designers interested in the third design LAB can jointly apply by sending their application materials as requested on the HFDA’s official website until the 31st of May, 2022.

For more information about the design LAB tender click on the link below:

https://www.hfda.hu/hu/cikkek/design-lab-2022-2746