The German interior designer garnered the top prize at the 23rd Andreu World International Design Contest for his Kaulu Chair. The special edition was devoted to circular design and featured a jury of experts in the fields of design, architecture, and sustainability.
Upon tracing the contours of a chair, rarely is it possible to instantaneously feel its heartbeat. Usually, there are layers to go through, mazes to find out your way out of, so that the object’s core ultimately reveals itself. Alexander Rehn’s Kaulu Chair draws you in with its unequivocal sincerity. It’s no wonder the piece was recognized and hailed as a triumph during the 23rd Andreu World International Design Contest and won over the esteemed jury of renowned professionals in design, architecture, and sustainability.
The prestigious jury at the 2024 edition of the Andreu World International Design Contest devoted to circular design. The ceremony was held at Caixafòrum Valencia. – © Andreu World
The 2024 edition of the competition’s focus, the Circular Design Challenge, asked creatives to showcase a comprehensive approach to sustainable design. They needed to ensure that their furniture pieces could be reused at the end of their useful life. Adapting to the principles of circular economy and considering aspects such as the origin of the materials, the manufacturing process, and their subsequent recycling or reuse were at the forefront.
Alexander Rehn’s Kaulu Chair is made of wood and recycled plastic. The design is minimalist with details accentuated in earthy orange that convey its anatomy. – © Andreu World
Crafted using wood and recycled plastic, with delicate accents in earthy orange, Alexander Rehn’s Kaulu Chair blends functionality, aesthetic cohesiveness and an overall innovative approach as the product’s life cycle is completely circular. All that makes it both visually and constructively stand out is unexpectedly within reach. Rehn founded his eponymous design studio, which specializes in product and furniture design as well as interior architecture, over two decades ago. Since then, the German Academy of Fine Arts graduate has deepened and expanded his practical knowledge and mastered the ability to create nuanced pieces with a multifaceted presence. Each of his designs is an embodiment of thoughtfulness and conveys Rehn’s unduplicatable understanding of space and form.
Andreu World International Design Contest’s honorable mentions included Chair 392 by Ukranian designer and architect Illia Masko. – © Andreu World
Rehn was announced as the winner of the contest’s top prize during a ceremony held at Caixafòrum Valencia. Andreu World International Design Contest’s prestigious jury was made up of Ángela Montagud, director of Clap Studio and winner of Spain’s Premio Nacional de Diseño 2023, Marta Vall-llosera, president of the Higher College of Architects of Spain, Thomas Garvey, president of World Design Organization (WDO), and Marta Alcañiz, Head of Design at BBVA Spain. The gathered experts evaluated each project based on its originality, impact on the product life cycle, and ability to respond to today’s global challenges.
The imaginative Folded Table by multidisciplinary Danish designer Michael C. Poulsen also received praise. – © Andreu World
Three honorable mentions were given to the exceptional Chair 392 by Ukranian designer and architect Illia Masko, the imaginative Folded Table by multidisciplinary designer Michael C. Poulsen from Denmark, and the elegant Void Lounge Chair by multi-awarded Swedish designer Jonas Forsman.
The elegant Void Lounge Chair by multi-awarded Swedish designer Jonas Forsman also captured the minds and hearts of the renowned jury of the 2024 edition of the Andreu World International Design Contest. – © Andreu World
Since its inception in 2001, more than 35,000 young designers have participated in Andreu World’s International Design Contest, cementing the format as one of the longest-running and most prestigious ones in the world.
Andreu World is a family-owned furniture company that has been wholeheartedly invested in nurturing and spreading the culture of design for the past seven decades. The latest edition of its celebrated contest has reaffirmed Andreu World’s profound commitment to sustainable practices and transformative design.
