Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The radical radiators of the future contest

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There are all kinds of Valentine's appropriate puns that I could make here, but everyone should know that designboom's radiator contest results have been posted. Bisque Radiators (who we've mentioned previously) put up a cash prize for new designers to showcase their radiator design skills, and they received over 3,200 entries! There were so many quality submissions that the judges decided to merge the second and third places prize monies, and divide the total by six honorable mentions.

The first place winner was Italian Leo Salzedo who designed a wall mounted radiator inspired by the shape of six connected coat hangers. By providing heat the radiator gently smooths wrinkles from shirts and pants, and provides a place to hang them. His Archibald design can hold four collared shirts, five T-shirts, three jackets, five bath towels, four pairs of pants, and two robes. It's a great way to save space in a tiny bedroom, and just imagine how nice it would feel to pull on a warm pair of pants every day.

My favorite creator didn't win any awards, but still designed a wonderful radiator. Stefano Marchetto based his Thermet radiator on an existing design: the 1876 Thonet Vienna Cafè Chair #18. Within the radiator hot water flows from one rear leg through the chair body and exits through the opposite. By mechanical definition the radiator is immovable, and that's what makes it perfect for a mudroom or foyer. I would love to have a warm seat ready for me when I come in from the cold and sit down to take off my snow boots.

Go check out the contest entries, and get ready to waste the rest of your Wednesday looking at neat radiators.

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