In preparation for the DesignEuropa Awards ceremony, organized by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which will take place on September 25 in Riga, Latvia, the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia is introducing the awards finalists. The first of these is the Swedish company Transparent with a modern interpretation of the classic vinyl record player.
Designed by Per Brickstad, the Transparent Turntable is nominated for the Entrepreneurs and Small Companies award category. The turntable challenges modern technology enthusiasts’ perceptions of classic values—it is designed to visually fit into contemporary homes. Made from aluminium and tempered glass, the device features a belt-driven system and is built to be upgradable and adaptable to the latest trends in music technology. To ensure excellent sound quality, the turntable must be connected to a sound system, which doesn't necessarily have to be made by the same manufacturer. It plays music with high precision, includes a playback feature, and can also stream music via Bluetooth-enabled devices.
“Our products are designed for a circular economy. Apart from a long lasting quality and appearance, this means a modular design that can be repaired and upgraded over time with technology constantly evolving. This way, users can keep their product updated by their preference and change only a small part, instead of replacing the whole unit. Transparent products will get better with age, and we will do what we can to remove electronic waste from the world,” promises Transparent.
Per Brickstad's designs integrate his passion for music and expertise in industrial design, focusing on creating durable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional audio equipment.
The DesignEuropa Awards aim to highlight design works in the industrial sector, with awards being presented in the following categories:
- Entrepreneurs and Small Companies
- Industry
- Next Generation Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
This year’s six finalists in the Entrepreneurs and Small Companies and Industry categories represent various European countries (Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Romania, and Sweden), covering a wide range of industries, including healthcare, audio devices, household appliances, energy storage, housing, and architecture. Designs entered into the competition come from well-known brands like Bang & Olufsen, Linet, and Meze Audio, as well as newcomers like Arsenit, MyGrid, and Transparent. All products emphasize sustainability, setting new standards in the design industry.