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The finalists
Design ◆ Furniture Systems and Collections
Are
Finalist
Project
Anima Collection
Designer
Yabu Pushelberg, U.S. and Canada
Manufacturer
Salvatori, Italy
Summary
Yabu Pushelberg’s latest collection is born from the Jungian concept of anima, the feminine aspect that underlies the male psyche. Exploring this overlap of sensibilities, the designers set out to approach hard stone as though it were soft clay. The outcome: sculptural bathtubs, basins and washroom accessories with both heft and grace. While their marble material palette conveys strength of character, their gentle, curved forms — hand-shaped by Italian artisans — express a more spiritual beauty. The end results highlight the balanced identities that contribute to any deep soul.
Finalist
Project
Patkau Collection
Designer
Patkau Architects, Canada
Manufacturer
Nienkämper, Canada
Summary
Deftly sidestepping the ordinary and expected, this three piece contract-furniture collection by award-winning Vancouver practice Patkau Architects for Nienkämper combines elegance and whimsy — with a little material exploration thrown in for good measure.
And
Design ◆ Furniture Systems and Collections
The Winner
+ The Peoples Choice
Is
Project
Patkau Collection
Designer
Patkau Architects, Canada
Manufacturer
Nienkämper, Canada
Rebecca Nienkämper: 2021 AZ Award Winner in Furniture Systems & Collections
Presented By: Keilhauer

Deftly sidestepping the ordinary and expected, this three piece contract-furniture collection by award-winning Vancouver practice Patkau Architects for Nienkämper combines elegance and whimsy — with a little material exploration thrown in for good measure.

First to be conceived was the Twist chair, which required the development of a patented process to achieve its signature shape: Two layers of Birch plywood are bent and fused together — without the need for heat or steam — to form a super-thin yet superbly strong structure. A trio of stainless steel hairpin legs support the flattened conical seat, maintaining its graceful and lightweight appearance.

“Beautiful, soft and friendly.”
Ini Archibong, AZ Awards 2021 Juror

From here came the Cocoon. Intent on creating an intimate space for semi-private meetings, Patkau applied the same manufacturing techniques used for Twist only at a grander scale. Reminiscent of the firm’s Skating Shelters in Winnipeg, the freestanding and partially enclosed booth is equipped with acoustic panels and a fixed bench and can be integrated with power and charging outlets.

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