Grippin
Dezeen Competitions: international design competition Grippin seeks innovative space and object designs that utilise Arakawa's wire hardware mechanism.
The competition invites international architects, designers and students residing outside Japan to present creative proposals that incorporate the brand's wire cable gripping technology.
Organiser: Arakawa
Competition: Grippin
Judges:
- Kaori Akiyama, founder and director of Studio Bycolor and 50 Grips
- Yasuhiro Kaneda, structurist
- Hokuto Ando, co-founder of we+
- Suzy Annetta, founder of Design Anthology, and curator – contemporary design and architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
- Hajime Arakawa, CEO of Arakawa
Submission deadline: 30 April 2027
Prize: ¥500,000, a trophy and a certificate
Competition overview
Arakawa aims to create new values for the next generation through collaboration with architects and designers worldwide.
At the heart of this mission is Arakawa Grip, an independently developed wire hardware mechanism designed to hang all possibilities and expand versatile spatial designs globally.
Having supported diverse creators for approximately ten years through its Tiers Gallery in Omotesando, Tokyo, the brand has launched the Grippin competition to solidify its connections with international designers based outside Japan.
The competition welcomes forward-thinking designs from those who share a passion for innovation and creation.
Information on how to enter can be found on the competition's website.
Eligibility and judging criteria
The competition is open to individual designers, architects and interior designers, as well as multidisciplinary practices and students residing outside Japan.
The proposals will be judged on:
- Originality and perspective: the ability to present a distinctive and compelling perspective
- Aesthetic quality: the quality, coherence and beauty of the proposed work
- Innovation: the ability to explore new possibilities through the use of Arakawa Grip
Judges will also consider how thoughtfully the entrant has explored and utilised the characteristics of the Arakawa Grip
Submission deadlines
The closing date for competition entries is 30 April 2027.
Winners will be announced on 31 May 2027, followed by an awards ceremony and reception around November 2027.
About Arakawa
Arakawa was established in Tokyo, Japan, in 1973. The company developed its wire cable gripper in 1975.
As a specialised manufacturer of Arakawa Grip, the brand develops and produces wire-based hanging and gripping systems for applications, including picture hanging, shopfitting and lighting.
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