The Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) has unveiled the winners of the DFA Awards 2024, showcasing outstanding achievements in design across Asia. This year's awards introduce a new category, the DFA Designer of the Year, highlighting the growing recognition of creative leadership in the region.
The DFA Awards, established in 2003 with support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, honor individuals and projects that have significantly impacted the design landscape, particularly in Asia. The 2024 laureates include Kengo Kuma for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kikuo Ibe for the Design Leadership Award, Tino Kwan for World's Outstanding Chinese Designer, and Eisuke Tachikawa as the inaugural Designer of the Year.
Prof. Eric YIM, Chairman of HKDC, emphasized the awards' focus on design as a tool for societal change, stating, "This year's DFA Awards laureates have demonstrated how design transcends aesthetics to become a powerful tool for societal change." The introduction of the Designer of the Year award specifically recognizes individuals addressing complex social challenges through design.
The DFA Design for Asia Awards 2024 conferred 215 awards across six categories, including 10 Grand Awards, reflecting the breadth of design excellence in the region. Steve Leung, Vice Chairman of HKDC and Chairman of the DFA Awards Steering Committee, noted the impressive range of projects addressing global challenges, from social inclusivity to cultural preservation.
This year's awards highlight the growing importance of design in addressing societal issues and fostering innovation across Asia. The recognition of designers from various disciplines and backgrounds underscores the region's diverse and dynamic design landscape, positioning Asia as a hub for creative excellence and forward-thinking solutions to global challenges.
