Unveiling Impact: What Transformed the RIMOWA Design Prize 2024 into a Catalyst for Change?

RIMOWA celebrated the second edition of the RIMOWA Design Prize during a ceremony in Berlin. This second edition, which launched in December 2023, continues to champion German design talent and recognizes young designers from leading design universities across Germany.

The second edition of the RIMOWA Design Prize will continued to address the ever-important topic of mobility. Mobility is underpinned by values of freedom and support, while acknowledging RIMOWA’s tenets of resilience, excellence and quality which assure that all designs are created to provide a fulfilling purpose. Capable of being interpreted and reconfigured in a seemingly endless number of ways, it is important to consider what mobility means to everyone, and not just those who are able.

The event took place at the iconic James Simon Gallery, an ideal venue to showcase projects from finalist students in a special exhibition. Following deliberations by the jury, joined by honorary jury members RIMOWA Chief Executive Officer Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert and RIMOWA Chairman Alexandre Arnault, the German Maison awarded prizes to the seven finalists.

The prize gives students who advance into the first round the chance to benefit from a mentorship programme throughout the competition, spearheaded by a leading jury member. Alongside the mentorship programme, participants were offered various networking opportunities, a professional workplace to conduct their oeuvre, as well as infrastructural support to bring it all to life. The RIMOWA Design Prize celebrates seven finalists, who are selected by the jury, with a series of monetary awards. The winner is awarded the sum of €20,000, the runner-up is awarded a €10,000 prize package, while those in third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh place will receive a prize of €5,000 each.

The first place award went to Janne Kreimer (Anhhalt University), who was mentored by Andreas Murkudis. Her project was the RO, an innovative waistcoat that combines exposure therapy and advanced technology to address anxiety. The vest integrates acupressure meridians and deep pressure stimulation to take a holistic approach to anxiety management, activating the parasympathetic nervous system for a calming effect.

A special mention went to Daniela Lindenberga (SRH Belin University of Applied Sciences), who was mentored by Sebastian Herkner. Her project, the IXO, addresses the rise of hate-motivated crimes in Germany. The wearable safety device contains essential tools such as a flashlight, camera, microphone, speaker and GPS tracker, designed to enhance the safety of wearers while traveling.

Five other finalists were also honored:

– Angelicka Barbie and Sarah Eckerlein (Anhalt University), mentored by Nina Sieverding and Anton Rahlwes.

– Dominic Hahn and Franziska Dehm (Schwäbisch Gmünd University of Design), mentored by Matthias Kulla.

– Fengfan Yang (State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart), mentored by Susanne Graner.

– Luise Kempf and Dean Weigand (Saar College of Fine Arts), mentored by Regine Leibinger.

– Pascal Schwientek and Jasmin Kappler (Potsdam University of Applied Sciences), mentored by Benjamin Wilson.