swiss design association

Despite pandemic-related restrictions, over 500 guests from the fields of economy, politics and culture paid tribute to the prize winners and their groundbreaking work. Edition 21 impressively demonstrates what a central contribution design can make to bringing resource-saving and circular economy-compliant solutions and products to the market. The jury explicitly praised the prize winners for the exemplary handling of their tasks, which also show how aware designers are of their great social impact as well as ecological responsibility.

With a total of 296 competition entries, the 2021 Prize saw an increase in entries of more than 10 per cent. The jury and nominators were pleased to interpret this increase as an expression of economic resilience. For despite the pandemic and more difficult conditions for the production of goods, the design industry has proven in recent months that it is adaptable and understands change as an opportunity. Finally, vintage 21 is characterised by the fact that the circular economy is no longer a question of entrepreneurial size, but that both globally leading manufacturers and small labels are converting their production and design processes to the circular economy strategy.

For Michel Hueter, Raphael Rossel and Urs Stampfli it was the last award ceremony. Over the past ten years, they have shaped and greatly expanded the prize in various functions. At the end of this decade, the retiring executive board felt it was the ideal time to make room for something new at the end of 2021. They will hand over the prize to Benjamin Moser, a native of Langenthal, Debora Biffi and Thomas Walliser. The new management wants to maintain the biennial rhythm, the location in Langenthal and the positioning of the award as a networking event and further develop its function as a communication platform.

Overview
Winners of Edition 21