Bavel, (The Netherlands) - With near 400 entries from all over the world, the sixth edition of the Marksman Design Award (2007 - 2008), an Icsid endorsed event, attracted a record number of designs. This edition challenged young design students to 'Design the perfect pen'. From a total of 1004 original applications, 386 designs from 264 courses in 54 countries made it to the final judging. Two of the eight prizewinners came from the USA, the remainder from Europe and Israel. The quality of the entries was once again superlative, and many are worthy for inclusion in the Marksman Collection.

The jury would hereby like to congratulate the prizewinners in the Marksman Design Award 2007-2008!



First prize
Höhle, rebirth of the classical writing instrument  

$10,000 went to Jacques Laramie (22) of the University of Cincinnati (USA) for his Höhle, a design that in the eyes of the jury represents "a rebirth of the classical writing instrument". Its hollow barrel with a matrix of holes toys with transparency in a way similar to the design of contemporary buildings, while the classic shape and very thin wall create an exclusive image. PF Concept International will also consider including the Höhle in the Marksman Collection.  
More information about Höhle



Second prize
Tin Pen say goodbye to ink problems  

The 'Tin Pen' from Patrícia Susana Santos (23) of the University of Lisbon (Portugal) wins $2,500 for its unique approach. Using tin tips that write on ordinary paper, it is inspired by a traditional technique known as metalpoint used by medieval artists and scribes. Writing with the Tin Pen has an "almost ritualistic feel", said one juror. "It is a socially conscious design, environmentally sustainable and beautifully executed. A conversation piece", said another.
More information about Tin Pen



Third prize
Contour, re-inventing the way you write

 Jeff Mansur (35) of the San Jose State University (USA) won $1,000 for his 'Contour', a pen with a personalized grip inspired by Japanese tea brushes. It features an ergonomically responsible body that moulds itself to the contours of your hand. It "re-invents the way you write with a tactile experience that you are compelled to explore", said one juror. Another added, "It crosses design boundaries, hinting at contemporary architecture. It goes beyond philosophy".  
More information about Contour


Honourable mentions
Black Box, first create, then draw
Jeroen van den Bosch  (25), University of Twente (the Netherlands)
 
Extrude, more than a boxed set
Bart Koehorst (24), Christelijke Hogeschool Windesheim (the Netherlands)
 
Drop, sculpture you can write with
Peter Harach (22), Brno University of Technology (Czech Republic)
 
WOMpen, a feminine  phenomenon
Roni Margolin (27),  Shenkar College of Design (Israel)

Rotatory Pen, intuitive  operation, simple aesthetics
Laurent Falque (21), E.N.S.A.V.  la Cambre (Belgium)


To read the reports of the jury, visit www.marksmandesignaward.com.

The Jury would like to express their sincere thanks for the participation of all the students who sent in a design and hope to see an entry from them in the seventh edition of the Marksman Design Award. A special thanks is there for all the teachers that have supported the students in their design process.

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For more information, please contact:

Marksman Design Award Office
t: +31 161 436 035
f:  +31 161 436 031
e:  marksman@commond.nl
w: www.marksmandesignaward.com