DFA awards 2023 celebrates asia heritage with modern design

dfa awards 2023 announces winners

Across Asia, designers, intimately connected to their country’s historical tapestry, skillfully taking inspiration from their heritage while simultaneously embracing global influences. The DFA Awards 2023 captures the essence of this cultural moment in Asian design by honoring individuals and projects that have left a significant imprint across the region. Alongside the awards for individual projects, the organization’s 2023 edition pays tribute to Kenya HARA, Victor LO Chung-wing, and JIANG Qiong Er for their noteworthy contributions to the field.

MUJI HOUSE | Plain House from DFA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kenya Hara

all images courtesy of DFA Awards

The Hong Kong Design Centre launched the DFA Awards in 2003 to highlight the role of designers in Asian society. The event celebrates leadership, exemplary projects and rising creative stars in Hong Kong. Its five award programmes include the DFA Lifetime Achievement Award, DFA Design Leadership Award, DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer, DFA Design for Asia Awards and DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award. Sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Hiroshima Prefecture Otake ‘SHIMOSE’ from DFA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Kenya Hara

Kenya Hara, recipient of DFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 (DFA LAA)

outstanding individuals in asian design

2023’s DFA Awards honors Kenya HARA, longtime contributor to Japanese lifestyle store MUJI, the DFA Lifetime Achievement Award (DFA LAA). His focus on the concept of ‘Emptiness,’ a cornerstone of MUJI’s minimalist design philosophy rooted in Zen principles, has significantly influenced the brand’s aesthetic. He has also made an outlasting impact with his intellectual contributions to design theory and education. This includes his role as the founder and director of Hara Design Institute and the publication of literary works like ‘Designing Design’ and ‘White.’

GP Batteries paper packaging from Gold Peak Technology Group

Victor LO Chung-wing recipient of DFA Design Leadership Award 2023 (DFA DLA)

Victor LO Chung-wing, Chairman and Chief Executive of Gold Peak Technology Group, receives the DFA Design Leadership Award (DFA DLA) for his role in influencing the landscape of design and business in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In addition to his global entrepreneurial projects, he has played a pivotal role in establishing and shaping cultural and creative institutions across Hong Kong. Designer JIANG Qiong Er, prominently known as the co-founder of Hermès-backed luxury brand, Shang Xia, receives DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer (DFA WOCD). JIANG has become recognized for her artful fusion of Chinese and European design, present in the fashion, furniture and spaces she has crafts throughout her career.

‘Bridge’ Bamboo weaving Teaware by JIANG Qiong Er (DFA WOCD)

JIANG Qiong Er recipient of DFA World’s Outstanding Chinese Designer 2023 (DFA WOCD)

DFA DFAA grand award winners 2023

DFA Design for Asia Awards 2023 (DFA DFAA) shines a spotlight on impactful projects across design disciplines, with this edition granting a total of 216 awards to acknowledge design excellence. In addition to the award’s highest honor (Grand), the competition also recognizes works with its Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit titles. In product design, the “Do kit yourself” furniture kit from Izuru Ltd. stands out for its poetic interactions. Without the need for tools, the users are prompted to assemble the stool at home. With its heavy user-involvement, the product is not just consumed, but it’s made to be repaired and appreciated as time passes. Additionally, the DFA Design for Asia Awards honors Philips’ Auto-Washing Robot Vacuum Cleaner 6000. With its slim design, the home appliance implements efficient floor sweeping and mopping tasks with convenient functions such as a mature navigation system, high-pressure spinning mop, ozone deodorization and auto-drying.

(DFAA 2023 Grand Award winner) Philips Auto-Washing Robot Vacuum Cleaner 6000 | company: Philips Domestic Appliances

In addition to recognizing product design, the award also celebrates achievements in the architectural realm. The DFAA grand award in 2023 goes to the Sumu Yakushima building by tono inc. The space applies “regenerative architecture,” to create a building that respects the Japanese island that it’s built upon. Additionally, DFAA commemorates the construction of the Takenaka Corporation Shizuoka Regional Branch. In Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture, the office was developed with a new structural style with the intention of packaging the following factors into one: countermeasures against earthquakes and floods which are local issues, response to diverse work styles, securing of parking spaces, and an iconic form to enhance the sense of unity of workers.

Over the last two decades, the DFAA has consistently attracted global recognition to the undeniable talent blossoming on the continent. With awards spanning product & industrial design, communication design, digital & motion design, fashion & accessory design, service & experience design, and spatial design, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to create a platform for the diverse creative skills and careers in Asia.

(DFAA 2023 Grand Award winner) Takenaka Corporation Shizuoka Regional Branch | company: TAKENAKA CORPORATION