Ron Arad Scoops London Design Medal 2011

One of the worlds most prestigious awards in the area of design,the ‘London Design Medal’ 2011 was presented by Swarovski to Ron Arad at a dinner held in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral last night. The Tel Aviv born designer said, “Thank you London! I couldn’t imagine doing whatever I’m doing anywhere else in the world”.
The medal for a contribution to design has been awarded to Marc Newson, Zaha Hadid, Thomas Heatherwick and Paul Smith,In the past few years.
London Design Festival chairman John Sorrell said: “The London Design Medal stands for the highest excellence, skill and achievement by a designer who inspires people all over the world with the imagination, quality and impact of their work.” Arad was chosen by a judging panel including last year’s winner Thomas Heatherwick, Tate director Nicholas Serota, the mayor’s adviser for arts and culture Munira Mirza, Design Gallerist Libby Sellers, and Nadja Swarovski, creative director of Swarovski crystal.

The London Design Medal celebrates individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to London and design. Chosen by a selection panel that includes some of Britain’s leading design leaders, writers and policy makers, the Medal is a life-time achievement award given to the highest calibre of design talent in London. A pivotal moment in the Festival calendar – it is the only award of its kind issued by us – the London Design Medal is one of British design’s most coveted accolades, more especially so because winners are shortlisted and selected by a distinguished panel of peers and experts.
Ben Evans, Festival director, said,  “Ron Arad defies categorization – during his long career, he has been an architect, product and a furniture designer, and achieved a formidable reputation in each of these fields.  He has carved out a market of his own and his work is now included in virtually every major collection.  As Professor of Design products at the RCA for ten years, his influence on design and young designers has been huge and he has contributed greatly to the current generation of talented designers now dominating design.”

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