Six Malaysian interior design firms bring Volvo-inspired homes to life in the 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge
The 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge came to an exciting close today as six Malaysian interior design firms were crowned winners at the Eco Ardence Sales Gallery, Shah Alam.
Among the 10 shortlisted designs, A&A Concept Design & Contract Sdn. Bhd., Forfar Design Sdn. Bhd., IQI Concept Sdn. Bhd., Orb Group Sdn. Bhd., Kort Studio and Studio BEVD Sdn. Bhd. were chosen by online voters and a judging panel comprised of representatives from Volvo Car, EcoWorld, and Aurizn, for their unique spatial designs that epitomise Volvo’s Scandinavian design philosophy.
Jointly organised by Volvo Car Malaysia, duduk – a new brand by Eco World Development
Group Berhad (EcoWorld) – and lifestyle publishing house Aurizn, the second edition of the
2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge kicked off on 14 May 2020.
This year, participants had the exclusive opportunity to join an online briefing with Jonathan Disley, Head of Design at Volvo Car Asia Pacific and Owen Ready Head of Strategic and Brand Design of Volvo Cars, where they learned how to consider Volvo Cars’ Scandinavian philosophy to inspire their designs.
From the 50 entries received, 22 submissions passed initial evaluation on budget compliance and completeness of inventory, and were then put online for the Malaysian public to vote for their favourite designs, where the votes had accounted for a portion of the total score given by the panel of judges.
The 10 designs with the highest online voting scores were shortlisted for final judging, out of which the six highest scorers were announced winners.
In addition to designs that display a high level of originality and understanding of Scandinavian aesthetics, this year’s submissions were also judged based on functionality, material quality, the emotional quotient that the space brings, and sustainability – all of which shape Volvo’s design philosophy.
“Scandinavian design at its best is often understated, yet stands out by the mere presence of its simplicity,” said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia. “This functional, open and minimalistic design language can be seen in all Volvo cars.
On the outside, we have clean and proportioned lines that look and feel just right; and inside, careful craftmanship, attention to details, and quality, earthy materials that create an open, uncluttered space.
The six winners today succinctly captured Volvo’s design philosophy and translated them into Malaysian homes, and for that, they have my heartfelt congratulations.”
Ho Kwee Hong, Divisional General Manager of EcoWorld, said: “By giving local design firms a platform to showcase their creativity and strength, we have empowered them to think about the future of sustainable design in Malaysia.
The six winning design firms were each awarded usage of a Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus –
one of the most powerful and sophisticated vehicles of its segment with exhilarating performance of 407hp, yet is friendly to the environment – for six months, as well as contracts to furnish the top three floors of two duduk by EcoWorld projects, namely Huni D’ EcoArdence and se.Ruang D’ EcoSanctuary, with each design firm given contracts to build their design on an entire floor.
This represents the first occasion in which a new property development is available for purchase with interior design inspired by Volvo Cars’ philosophy.
Tong Shew Long of A&A Concept Design & Contract Sdn. Bhd., said: “We were elated when we received news that our firm was selected as the winner of the 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge, and truly humbled, especially knowing that there were many qualified contestants.
It goes without saying that the Volvo design philosophy has inspired us, particularly the form and shape of its award-winning Volvo XC40. Our winning idea is cemented in the
openness and warm, earthy colours and textures found in Scandinavian design.