There is still time to submit proposals for the fourth edition of the Audi Innovation Awards, which identify the region’s most innovative designers and risk takers.
An opportunity for designers residing in the Middle East to present their original works under the theme of ‘Simplification’, to be considered by a panel of ten leading figures in the industries of architecture, product design, design education, research and development. The panel is led by Hani Asfour, Dean of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) and founding partner of Polypod, who was recently named one of the 45 most influential architects in MENA.
The panel includes Dr Carlos Montana, a Founding Associate Professor at DIDI; Cyril Zammit, currently an expert working with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority; alongside Mitra Khoubrou, the co-founder of Dubai-based Pink Tank together with Aisha Al Sager, Managing Director of Kuwaiti firm, AGi Architects. Representing the Audi team is Carsten Bender, Managing Director of Audi Middle East and Christian Labonte, Design Manager.
Also judging are Amer Aldour, architect and founder of interactive design studio ‘inter.act’ and currently the senior manager of design and overlay for Expo2020; architect Turki Gazzaz, co-founder of Saudi-based Bricklab and Hamza Omari, innovative product and environment designer at Palmwood—a joint-venture between IDEO and the UAE Government.
This edition of the awards focuses on ‘Personal Freedom’, aiming to stimulate the regional dialogue on building smarter cities and a sustainable future. The panel will assess design solutions that tackle the issues of depleting natural resources, environmental damage, climate change and population growth, proposing everyday products that are simple; to make, to use, to move, and to store—thereby enhancing the quality of life and creating the luxury of more time.
Designers in the region are encouraged to submit their proposals for an opportunity to win $25,000 worth of bespoke product development and design mentorship, and for their proposal to receive recognition on a global design stage in the Audi Innovation Hub. Ten applicants will be shortlisted in June and the winner will be announced during Dubai Design Week, 11 – 16 November 2019.
The submission deadline is 20 May 2019.
To submit your proposal, please visit https://audiinnovationaward.com/