Dr. Cingoli recently gave a presentation at the National Design Centre.

Dr. Andrea Cingoli, the driving force behind ConceptIcon, has been making a name for his team at Zo_loft architecture & design, and more recently, for himself through ConceptIcon. He sees design awards as a reliable measure of quality and believes that sharing designs is crucial for growth and inspiration within the design community.

Dr. Cingoli finds inspiration in his personal experiences and surroundings, aiming to create designs that are both meaningful and thought-provoking. He believes design is deeply intertwined with life’s experiences and should strive to be extraordinary.

For Dr. Cingoli, a successful design seamlessly merges user-friendliness with simplicity. He believes a well-executed design transcends cultural boundaries and appeals to individuals across age groups.

He points out that good design can address both structural and marketing needs, citing his “Twist” lamp as a prime example. This lampshade can be shipped flat and easily pulled into its spiral form for use.

He further emphasizes the importance of designs that users can personalize. His “Plan” shelf, with its multifunctional hole, embodies this idea.

Finally, Dr. Cingoli highlights the value of integrating multiple functions into a single design. He uses his “C-Glass” as an example—a drinking glass with a detachable ashtray that can also warm a beverage.

Among design accolades, Dr. Cingoli places the Red Dot design award in high regard, viewing it as a valuable tool for design professionals to understand design principles. In 2016 alone, he received three Red Dot awards for his innovative use of technology in designing the Qwerty Sofa, CrickIT, and BALAMP.

In 2016, the QWERTYsofa was honored with a Red Dot design award in the Furniture category.

Taking inspiration from the posture of falling asleep on a sofa, the QWERTYsofa, a sofa bed, incorporates the visual representation of a “QWERTY” keyboard. Each key is connected to a micro-motor, allowing for remote-controlled micro-adjustments to achieve the perfect sitting or lying position. At 310cm long, 110cm wide, and 100cm high, the QWERTYsofa is crafted from stainless steel, multi-density polymer, and water-resistant, flame-retardant faux leather. Its operation relies on both electrical and software components, powered by the newest generation of gel batteries. The remote control has the ability to store up to 10 different position combinations.

Currently seeking partners to bring this innovative sofa bed to market, Dr. Cingoli explained that the letters ‘Q’ and ‘W’ were omitted from the sofa’s design as they did not enhance the overall aesthetic.

When in trolley mode, the user places an item on the platform and controls the vehicle from outside. This mode allows for a maximum transport weight of 250kg.

CrickIT, awarded a Red Dot design award in 2016 in the Mobility category, is an electric vehicle designed for compact storage and envisioned as an alternative long-distance transportation solution, especially in areas with narrow or pedestrian-friendly roads.

ConceptIcon highlights CrickIT as the first portable scooter that allows riders to recline slightly, offering support to the ischial tuberosity (the part of the pelvis that bears weight while sitting). Its adjustable handlebar and seat ensure a comfortable riding experience for people of varying heights and sizes.

When configured for riding, users lean against the seat and steer by shifting their weight left or right, much like skiing.

CrickIT can reach a maximum speed of 15kmh, though its average speed typically falls between 8kmh and 10kmh. Its polycarbonate and carbon fiber shell offers both durability and light weight. It operates on a modern gel battery providing approximately two hours of use per charge. Additional features include signal lights, battery life and vehicle status indicators, and location-based software for theft prevention and goods tracking.

Dr. Cingoli describes CrickIT as offering a new way to travel, easily foldable, portable, and compact enough for car transport.

BALAMP, the recipient of a 2016 Red Dot design award in the Illumination category, combines the functionality of a bedside lamp, alarm clock, and wireless phone charger. A dedicated mobile app allows for personalized light color, alarm sounds, and time settings.

BALAMP can be customized using a mobile app.

BALAMP is weight-activated; placing an object on it turns off the light, and removing the object triggers a soft light. Dr. Cingoli explains that it operates on the principle of a scale but with an inverted mechanism.

One of the challenges Dr. Cingoli faced in creating BALAMP was finding a lamp manufacturer capable of realizing his vision. He noted that many companies specialize in lampshades but not in integrating electronics, software, and form.

While one might assume a designer’s home is filled with one-of-a-kind pieces, Dr. Cingoli admits to purchasing commercially available furniture. However, he personalizes each item to make it truly his own. He considers every design he creates to be like his child, claiming no favorites, but does confess to having his “Flamp” and “Glass Pop-Corn” lamps in his home.

Intrigued?

Learn more about QWERTYsofa, CrickIT, and Balamp by visiting their Red Dot online exhibition pages.

*All pictures of products are from the Red Dot online exhibition.