prize
Since the first Rotterdam Design Prize (1993) public interest in design has grown enormously. Dutch design is more vital than ever and is attracting widespread international interest. There are now countless prizes and design events that act as a podium for Dutch products. For this reason the board of the Rotterdam Design Prize has decided to shift the focus away from the individual product and onto the designers’ artistic vision. Since the 2007 edition we are looking for important creative visions that have made a major contribution to the design profession over the last two years. These contributions must be apparent in one or more related products, objects or projects that clearly stem from a singular artistic vision. The prize now focuses more on the creative ‘position’ of the participants and less on individual products. A relevant ‘position’ could be an exemplary client, a specific product in relation to a designer’s oeuvre, a manufacturer who has taken a new direction, an innovative mentality within the design world etc.debate
The Rotterdam Design Prize aims to stimulate debate about the role of design in the cultural and social context. With each edition the announcement of the prizewinner has focussed attention on the ‘climate’ of Dutch design.
It encourages pronouncements about the
strengths and weaknesses of Dutch design
cultures. The prize is accompanies by
publications with varied perspectives on the
background to and development of Dutch
design. The prize draws attention to new
tendencies and provides a broad context
for what can sometimes seem like a certain
fragmentation within the work of certain
designers.