DESSO Designer Wins Prize at International Interiors Competition
15 December 2008
Marloes Jongen, a designer for leading European carpet manufacturer DESSO, has scooped a top prize in the design competition at Interieur 08 (www.interieur.be) - a biennale rewarding the best of interior design. Dutch national Jongen won the prestigious award in the 'living' category for her carpet prototype, 'Jazzscapes', which impressed the judges for its innovative design and creative use of texture.
The Interieur 08 Competition, previously known as design for Europe, is renowned for mapping out developments in contemporary design and showcasing the industry stars of the future. The international jury reviewed 286 entries from 33 countries: the expert panel was looking for smart ideas, simple discoveries and designers who exceeded the 'norm'. In total, winners of the competition walked away with 35,000 Euro worth of prize money.
The competition focused on three distinct themes - working, playing and living -and encouraged entrants to look at the cultural and economic dimensions of design to generate new, functional prototypes. Jongen's entry triumphed in the 'living' category, which called for practical products to transform the home into an inspirational environment.
Alexander Collot d'Escury, CCO of DESSO, says: ''Marloes Jongen began working on carpet prototypes while still at the Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts, and she captured the attention of our design and development department. Her 'Jazzscapes' carpet design demonstrates her talent for true innovation - without losing sight of a product's quality, aesthetics and end use. DESSO congratulates her on winning this important industry award.''
All entries were on display during the 21st Interieur Biennale at Kortrijk in Belgium from 17-26 October, 2008. The event played host to 95,000 visitors from 60 different countries and more than 800 journalists from all around the world. The 'Financial Times' sums up the important role played by the show: ''Interieur still stands out among the plethora of design fairs around the world for the quality of what is on display and for its originality of presentation."