Crafting Timeless Icons: A Throwback to rat[LAB] Studio's Iconic Trophy Design for WADE Asia Awards

In the fast-paced world of design, the creation of something truly timeless is a rare achievement. At rat[LAB] Studio, we’ve always believed that great design transcends time, creating an impact that resonates across generations. Whether it’s a large-scale architectural facade or a small, intricate piece like a trophy, our mission is to craft designs that leave a lasting mark. This belief was recently echoed when our co-founder, Sushant Verma, was invited as a speaker and panelist at WADE Asia 2024, a prestigious platform celebrating women designers across Asia and India.

Sushant’s participation in WADE Asia 2024 marks yet another milestone for rat[LAB] Studio. His insights into modern facade designs, innovation, materials, and technology were well-received by an audience of industry experts and aspiring designers alike. But this recent engagement also served as a reminder of our long-standing relationship with WADE Asia, a relationship that dates back to 2017 when we were given the opportunity to design a trophy that would go on to become an integral symbol of the awards, celebrating the achievements of women in design.

A Throwback to 2017: Crafting a Timeless Icon

In 2017, rat[LAB] Studio was approached to design the trophy for the WADE Asia Awards. This wasn’t just another project for us; it was an opportunity to create something that would not only represent the values of the awards but also stand the test of time as a symbol of excellence. The challenge was clear: to design a trophy that was scalable, elegant, and timeless, embodying the spirit of the awards and the women it celebrated.

We approached this project with the same level of innovation and attention to detail that we apply to all our work. The trophy design was based on scalable systems, a concept we often explore in our architectural projects. This approach allowed us to create a design that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also adaptable to different scales—a key feature that has made the trophy an enduring symbol of the WADE Asia Awards.

The design process involved extensive research, prototyping, and collaboration with various stakeholders. We wanted to ensure that every element of the trophy—from its form to the materials used—was carefully considered to reflect the values of the awards. The final design was a fusion of art and engineering, a piece that was both functional and symbolic.

Creating a Timeless Impact Through Design

At rat[LAB] Studio, we believe that good design, regardless of scale, has the power to create a timeless impact. This philosophy is at the core of our practice, whether we’re designing a trophy, an architectural facade, or an art installation. The WADE Asia trophy is a perfect example of this belief in action. Despite its relatively small size, the trophy has become a powerful symbol of the awards, embodying the achievements of women designers across Asia and India.

The success of the trophy design is a testament to our ability to create timeless icons. It has been featured in numerous publications, and its design process has been widely documented, showcasing our commitment to innovation and excellence. The trophy continues to be used as the official award for WADE Asia, a clear indication of its lasting impact.

Generative Design & Parametric Design

With the idea of demonstrating scalability in the trophy design, the design studio adapted the design process from another on-going project of a skyscraper that the studio was involved in. Just as the skyscraper design is based on a set of parameters, trophy is also designed keeping in mind some important parameters such as stability of the volume, materiality, ease of holding, weight, method of fabrication etc. The optimum form was developed after considering all the aforementioned factors. The whole process was streamlined by using computational design to make the design more rational and optimum.

The form is ideated as a fluidic interpretation of the letter ‘W’ that sits as a miniature tower. The cross sections were subjected to parabolic curve to make the design more elegant and mathematically-controlled for fabrication process. The tips were extruded to give the form a triumphant look which was an abstract indication of victory. The trophy was created in three variations in gold, silver, bronze colour to denote hierarchy of merits, as per the brief.

Using an Algorithmic Process, the geometry is subjected to an evolutionary process wherein the design can be evolved with each year of subsequent awards, if feasible for organizers. This allowed creation of a generation of forms for the trophy, all of which can be easily fabricated using conventional methods. This also ensured creation of multiple iterations, which could be evaluated against fabrication methods, time, costing, etc. to finalize the idea for WADe Award 2017.

Timeless Art, Timeless Icons

Art has the unique ability to transcend time, creating icons that remain relevant across generations. At rat[LAB] Studio, we strive to achieve this timeless quality in all our work. The WADE Asia trophy is just one example of how we apply our expertise in scalable systems and innovative design to create pieces that stand the test of time. But our work doesn’t stop there. We’re constantly exploring new ways to push the boundaries of design, whether it’s through large-scale architectural projects or smaller, more intimate pieces like trophies and art installations.

Our recent work through our art installation brand further showcases our commitment to creating timeless art. By combining cutting-edge design technologies with traditional craftsmanship, we’re able to create works that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. These installations, like the WADE Asia trophy, are designed to leave a lasting impression, becoming icons in their own right.

A Legacy of Iconic Design

As we look back on our journey from designing the WADE Asia trophy in 2017 to participating in WADE Asia 2024, we’re reminded of the power of good design to create a lasting impact. Whether it’s a trophy, a facade, or an art installation, our goal at rat[LAB] Studio is to create designs that transcend time, becoming timeless icons that inspire future generations.

We invite you to explore our latest work, including the projects from our art installation brand, which continues to push the boundaries of design. By combining art, architecture, and technology, we’re creating works that are not only innovative but also timeless.

art[LAB] - A unique & bespoke art installation vertical by rat[LAB] Studio :: Where Art meets Technology!

 

art[LAB] stands as a global consortium of innovative designers rooted in New Delhi, India, specializing in the creation of captivating installations and spatial art. Within this collective, a diverse team comprising designers, digital fabricators, computational experts and contractors collaborates intricately, crafting parametric art, spatial pavilions, installations, and captivating feature artwork. Through their interdisciplinary approach, art[LAB] fosters a unique environment where artists, architects, designers, and intellectuals from various domains converge, catalyzing the birth of ground-breaking artworks that challenge conventional artistic norms.

This creative hub signifies the seamless intersection of technology and tradition, embodying the fusion of bygone eras with the modern and future outlooks in creative expression. Ranging from wall art to illuminating fixtures and avant-garde furniture, art[LAB] showcases a dynamic array of artistic products and installations meticulously curated by their adept team. In alignment with rat[LAB], its parent studio, this narrative serves as a comprehensive documentation encapsulating diverse design methodologies employed across various projects. Emphasizing computational design and technical fabrication, each project unveils its unique process, tailored to the specifics of data and materials employed.

From the intricacies of hexa skin to the fluidity of amorphous surfaces, this compendium offers an immersive journey through an array of spaces, inviting readers to sense and envision the transition. It epitomizes the potential of technology in facilitating artistic expression, ultimately crafting spaces that resonate with visual allure, conceptual depth, and interpretative richness.

Access latest catalog of art[LAB] here: art[LAB] Catalogue 2024

More about art[LAB] at: www.rat-lab.org/artlab // Write to info@rat-lab.org for enquiries to design your art installation, iconic furniture, feature element or any transformative art!