'Ekoboxi' wins the 'Pirkka 20 years' design competition
The winners of the 'Pirkka 20 years' competition for design students of the University of Art and Design Helsinki have been chosen. The competition was arranged by the University of Art and Design Helsinki and Kesko Food Ltd in order to find product ideas in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the K-stores' Pirkka brand.
The first prize of 5,000 euros went to the innovative storage and sorting solution 'Ekoboxi', designed by Tyko Sillanpää and Ilkka Heino. The 2,000 euro winner was the 'Survival Set' packaging designed by Liisa Sandholm and Hilja Nikkanen. Maija Fagerlund's 'Pirkka 20 years' quilt covers and pillowcase won the 1,000 euro prize. An honorary mention was given to Triinu Tulva and Tuomas Tiitinen for their Pirkka refrigerator magnets.
The jury's comments:
1st prize: Ekoboxi, 5,000 euros
Designed by: Tyko Sillanpää and Ilkka Heino, industrial design
A new kind of storage and sorting solution with many everyday uses. The name refers to ecology, which is another possible field of application, because the bag can be used in waste segregation in small households thereby enhancing recycling. However, the main idea offers almost unlimited possibilities. The complete item can be used as a picnic bag, or a laundry sorting bag etc. An innovative and fresh new idea in line with the Pirkka philosophy!
2nd prize: Survival Set, a Finnish-style survival package containing classic food products,
2,000 euros
Designed by: Liisa Sandholm, graphic design, and Hilja Nikkanen, industrial design
The winner of the second prize is a compilation of Pirkka classics illustrating their presence in our lives on weekdays and Sundays alike. The idea of package commercialisation has also been developed further. The sets make for excellent Pirkka gift packages. After opening, the package does not become waste. Instead it is an elegant element providing added value to the product. According to the Pirkka ideology, children's parties can be arranged at home and the Pirkka survival package is also a practical way of conveying the Finnish image outside Finland.
3rd prize: 'Pirkka 20 years' quilt covers and pillowcase, 1,000 euros
Designed by: Maija Fagerlund, textile art and design
These items are examples of excellent textile and pattern design, illustrating the 20-year history of Pirkka. The patterns feature scenes from the human lifecycle. A multi-purpose visual solution, which easily generates new product ideas. The entry is a finished concept – it offers a number of solutions with meaningful pattern applications. A colour chart for the pattern is available.
Honorary mention: Pirkka refrigerator magnets
Designed by: Triinu Tulva and Tuomas Tiitinen, textile art and design
The small elements in the Pirkka magnets we all know from our everyday lives stop us – making us think about life as a whole. Concepts we all know by appearance here contain surprising effects that make us see the world in a different way.
According to the jury, the competition entries were of a very high standard. Even many of those participating in the first stage were innovative and suitable for Pirkka products. The seven ideas qualified for the second stage were sophisticated and refined.
The purpose of this design competition was to find product ideas that highlight and symbolise the Pirkka product brand celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2006 and which could also be sold in the K-food stores. Such product ideas must be original, of high quality and respect sustainable development. The competition announced in October attracted 60 entries.
Composition of the jury:
Marja-Liisa Karppinen, Customer Relationship Director, Kesko Food Ltd
Jaakko-Pekka Vehmas, Vice President, Kesko Food Ltd
Helena Hyvönen, Professor, The University of Art and Design Helsinki
Peter McGrory, Professor, The University of Art and Design Helsinki
Tapio Vapaasalo, Professor, The University of Art and Design Helsinki
Pekka Toivanen, Managing Director, Design Studio Muotohiomo Ltd
Further information:
Marja-Liisa Karppinen, Customer Relationship Director, Kesko Food Ltd, tel. +358 1053 22431, +358 500 478 783, email firstname.lastname@kesko.fi
Helena Hyvönen, Professor of Textile Art and Design, School of Design Dean, The University of Art and Design Helsinki, tel. +358 9 7563 0337, +358 50 324 3657
Helena Suonsilta, Competition Secretary, The University of Art and Design Helsinki, School of Design, tel. +358 9 7563 0333, email firstname.lastname@uiah.fi
