vidrala held the awards ceremony for the contest “Master Glass Design Contest” at the National Museum of Decorative Arts (MNAD) on January 17. The MNAD currently hosts the exhibition that takes a tour of the more than 30 projects that have been awarded in the last eight editions of the competition.
“MasterGlass Design Contest” was created in 2015 on the occasion of Vidrala's 50th anniversary, with the purpose of promoting talent and new ideas in the field of glass container design. In its beginnings, the contest was only held at the national level, however, currently students from universities in Spain and Portugal participate, expanding its impact and interest to the entire Iberian Peninsula.
The projects presented in this competition stand out for their focus on design, sustainability and innovation. They seek to create glass containers with minimal environmental impact in their production and recycling process. Likewise, it is intended that the awarded projects have a simple and applicable use in daily life, a common objective with the museum, whose dedication to the design associated with everyday objects is one of its main lines of action.
In its eighth edition, the jury has named the winner “AURUM” project by Sara Díez, highlighting the result of the final product, knowing how to clearly represent two elements, the oil mill and the olive, making it clear that it is a container of olive oil. They also highlighted the correct choice of the color palette as well as the effort made in the manufacture of several prototypes using 3D printing. This is followed by the different second prizes awarded in 2023, with the recipients of the recognition being the projects “LIQUID GOLD” by Raquel Luna, “LUMBRE” by Tania Moreno, “SEGNA 71” by Alberto Mora and “GOTOIL” by Ana Carvalho.
Prior to the awards ceremony, a round table entitled “Design competitions as part of academic training” took place, which included the participation of representatives from different universities such as Joseba Azkaray, from Nebrija University, Louis Count, from the Higher School of Design of Madrid, Ricardo Espinosa, from the Complutense University of Madrid, Silvia Nuere, University Professor and Maria Luisa Walliser, from the Rey Juan Carlos University. The round table was moderated by Marcelo Leslabay, from the University of Deusto.
During the celebration of the event, it was also announced the Opening of the call for the ninth edition of the contest, that renews its image by betting on a clean and sustainable concept of industrial design. The jury of this edition is made up of Ainhoa Martín, president of the Confederation of Schools of Plastic Arts and Design of Spain, Josyane Franc, advisor of international design networks and ambassador of the Cité du Design, Olaia Irulegi, president of EIDE and Director from DIARADESIGN, Marcelo Leslabay, doctor in Design and professor at the University and Deusto and Asier Etxeberría, director of Product Design at Grupo Vidrala. All those students who want to participate will have until June 14, 2024 to submit their project applications.
