The “Compasso d’Oro Award” is the oldest and one of the most famous and prestigious recognitions in the world of design. It was established in 1954 from an idea of the Italian designer and architect Giovanni Ponti, also known as Gio Ponti. The prize is a golden compass designed by Albe Steiner and born from the pencil of architects Marco Zanuso and Alberto Rosselli. The creations and works of various designers are evaluated by many critics, designers and journalists.
More than 350 objects that were awarded the Compasso d’Oro are exhibited in a giant museum in Milan, called ADI Design Museum Compasso d’Oro, that will soon open its doors to the public. It is a really dynamic space in which art and design rule the roost. 5.135 square meters, many exhibition areas and the entire history of design displayed, from 1954 to date. ADI Design Museum Compasso d’Oro is one of the biggest design museums in Europe.
COMPASSO D’ORO AWARD - THE 2020 EDITION
In 2020, Compasso d’Oro came to its 26th edition. Many design pieces won the prize. Here are some examples.
“Hannes”, designed and created by Istituto italiano di tecnologia and INAIL, is a prosthesis of a robotic hand that can be essential and very useful to those people who lost a limb.
“E-Lounge”, an idea of the international group Repower, is a bike rack in which you can park your electrical bike and at the same time recharge it, as well as your tablet or any other electrical device. In addition, “E-Lounge” is a bench where people can also sit and rest. Design at the service of citizens and of the environment.
“Chakra” is the brainchild of Universal Selecta, the leading Italian company in the field of interior design. Its architectural system looks like an oasis of silence, mainly designed for offices, making it the perfect solution for those who want some privacy.
2018 EDITION
The 25th edition of Compasso d’oro rewarded different designers:
“Origami” is a radiator designed and created by Alberto Meda for the Tubes company. This piece won the prize because it is a functional object that stands out in the room in which it is placed, thanks to its elegant shape.
“PopApp” is a really original project by Ifi company. It is a compact and transportable ice cream parlor, which means that everyone can bring ice cream wherever they want. PopApp is equipped with many containers and electrical outlets, in addition to a sink and a cold storage.
“Alfa Romeo Giulia” by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo was awarded the Compasso d’Oro thanks to its versatility and great performances, while its unique shape gives the car a touch of elegance and uniqueness.
2016 EDITION
In 2016, Compasso d’oro awarded, among the others:
“Ossidiana” is a coffee maker designed by Alessi. This item is considered a little masterpiece of design because it is the evolution of a traditional and classical object such as the coffee machine.
“Omnia” by Technogym is a fitness machine that has a huge variety of exercise functions. In fact, “Omnia” means “many things” in Latin. This revolutionary piece of equipment allows people who want to train to do many different workouts without having to change position.