Project background​: FUTURE MEMORIES AND RE-INNOVATION

The central theme of Make More 2016 is an exploration of the relationship between innovation and tradition.

What would appear at first glance to be an oxymoron is, in effect, the fundamental basis for true innovation, which stems from a radical negation or from an equally radical transformation of an existing reality.

From this standpoint, words such as re-utilise, re-member and re-new acquire a fresh meaning, both cultural and social and, more significantly, they become fundamental in terms of contemporary design.

Aside from the simple play on words, the prefix "RE" can open up new approaches to a re-examination of the kitchen, both as a room and in each of its specific areas, as well as the various functions and daily rites which take place there, by looking at the accessories and furniture which perform multiple functions and represent an intelligent and sustainable evolution of the kitchen:

•      Re-interpret objects and accessories from the past and adapt them to the immediate future;

•      Re-utilise objects and accessories in a contemporary setting

•      Re-new existing forms and functions using the latest technologies and materials.

On the basis of this scenario, each of the projects should develop one of more of the following themes:

•        Re-qualify the traditional functions and all the objects associated with them; this means re-vamping the traditional solutions to adapt them to modern-day living and to the immediate future, in which technology will without doubt play a key role.

•        Re-design the objects, utensils and accessories used to work in the kitchen, so that space can be used in different ways and at different times, as well as objects which are necessary in the kitchen but not used for cooking and which bring an intangible, emotive and cultural value to the way in which they are used.

•        Re-create more modern versions of objects, utensils and accessories, re-designing these memories from another era to meet the tastes of the younger generation and the new forms of formal and less formal cohabitation that are becoming increasingly widespread.

•        Re-discover and re-style objects, utensils and accessories used for a variety of purposes in kitchens around the world, re-designing them in modern versions both as practical utensils and as cult objects which form a part of the international cultural melting-pot.

•        Re-position and re-design objects, utensils and accessories, including those from other spheres, in alternative sectors of the market but all used in the kitchen, with the firm conviction that culture and business are functionally interdependent.

•        Re-consider and re-assess objects, utensils and accessories from the "product as a system" viewpoint in which services and communication are integral to the project, in particular as regards their intrinsic significance.

Re-spect for the social and natural environment are fundamental prerequisites for any design choice.

Partner Country 2016

One aim of Make More 2016 is to promote collaboration with a partner country in order to develop and consolidate a cultural and creative exchange at an international level. The partner country for this edition is Malta, which is a new creative hub for the entire Mediterranean area, a crossroads of culture and innovation lying at the heart of a phenomenon of growth and development that is unique in Europe. Students, designers and freelance professionals from Malta are therefore invited to participate in the contest, which will dedicate a special award – "Make More 2016 #Malta" – and a special mention.

What to design

Some of the ideas for a project might include: movable supports, stands, extensions, containers, clothes-hangers, "anything"-holders, ornaments, display cabinets and racks, stools, screens/partitions etc.

Designs for more traditional objects and accessories such as tables and chairs will be accepted only if these are interpreted from an original viewpoint and are fully in line with the theme of the project.

Technical indications

The following materials and finishes may be used:

Wood

• solid wood: oak, ash, unfinished beech, Canaletto walnut, elm;
• woods for external use: larch, false acacia (heat-treated);
• blockboard in the woods specified above;
• fibreboard (natural or faced).

Plywood and multi-layer panels will not be accepted.

Finishes

• natural-finish wood;
• natural paints and varnishes.

Marble/Quartz

Granite-based composite materials (agglomerates used for furniture).

Aluminium

Components produced using extrusion and die-casting techniques.

 Other materials that can be used with those listed above:

• glass;
• steel;
• fabrics, leather, hide.

 Woodworking methods:

• traditional carpentry;
• CNC (3, 4 or 5 axes);
• Turning.

Marble/Quartz working methods

• cutting;
• polishing;
• milling.

Aluminium working methods

• bars or castings worked in CNC centres;
• anodising;
• painting/enamelling.

The Jury will comprise the following members:

Daniela Archiutti (Veneta Cucine)

Paolo Campagnol (Veneta Cucine)

Arianna Vignati (Department of Design, Polytechnic University of Milan)

Luca Fois (Department of Design, Polytechnic University of Milan)

Marco Scapin (MarmoArredo)

Clara Conti (SAIB)

Francesco Beghetto (SCILM)

Andrea Branzi (Studio Andrea Branzi)

Lorenzo Palmeri (designer)

Dino Fino (Fino)

Stephen Vella (Mcast)

The decisions of the Jury will be reached by majority vote and are final. Only the personal data provided by the participants and justifiably indicated by the latter as confidential will be treated as such.

In the event that none of the projects submitted is judged to be valid and worthy of merit, the Jury may vote to refrain from publishing the placements of the participants.

Each of the projects will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• relevance to the theme of the contest;
• compliance with technical confines (manufacturing and economic feasibility);
• degree of innovation of the proposal (including new ways of interacting with the user);
• compatibility with the values of the Veneta Cucine brand;
• storytelling and communicative value of the project.

The following prizes will be awarded on conclusion of the contest:

1° place: Re-innovation

• supervision of the project during all phases of the prototyping procedure, with a one-day visit to Veneta Cucine's production plant in Biancade (TV);
• a royalty of 3% in the event that the product is brought to market (In this case a specific agreement will be drawn up with the winning designer(s));
• showcase dedicated to the prototype at the Salone del Mobile 2017;
• photographic shoot of the prototype at the Salone del Mobile 2017;
• three-month subscription to the open access co-working+workshop programme organized by MAKERS HUB, Via Cosenz 44/A, Milan.

2°-3°: Re-spect

• showcase dedicated to the prototype at the Salone del Mobile 2017;
• photographic shoot of the prototype at the Salone del Mobile 2017;
• three-month subscription to the open access co-working+workshop programme  organized by MAKERS HUB, Via Cosenz 44/A, Milan.

4°-5°-6° Honourable mentions

Re-discover: the most unusual and intriguing project.

Re-sonant: the project presented in the most effective way.

Re-think (Make More 2016 #Malta): the most innovative project representing Maltese traditions.

"Make More 2016 #Malta" special award

One week internship at Veneta Cucine.

The prizes will be awarded at an exclusive event to be held at the Veneta Cucine Showroom in via Quintino Sella 2, Milan.

OPENING DATE OF CONTEST: 30 September, 2016

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROJECT DOCUMENTATION: 15 December, 2016

SELECTION OF PROJECTS: from 15 December, 2016 to 15 January, 2017

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS: 30 January, 2017

WINNING PROJECTS AWARD CEREMONY: February, 2017

DEVELOPMENT OF PROTOTYPES: from February, 2017 to April, 2017

EXHIBITION OF PROJECTS AT THE MILANO DESIGN WEEK: April, 2017