Design avant-gardist: Swiss creator and Red Dot winner Rosmarie Baltensweiler deceased
She wrote design history with her designs: Rosmarie Baltensweiler, the founder of the company Baltensweiler. The designer died on 10 April 2020 at the age of 92. She bequeathed her outstanding designs, which, even after her death, bear witness to her extraordinary ability and inspire designers and companies alike to the public.
Lighting production in a family business
The incomparable career of Rosmarie Baltensweiler began in 1950 when she and her husband Rico designed the first lamp – at that time still for their own home. The filigree model not only appealed to the couple, but enjoyed great popularity worldwide. With the floor lamp “Baltensweiler Type 600”, which became a classic, Baltensweiler laid the foundation for her internationally successful company, which is now being continued in the third generation.
Red Dot: Best of the Best for “IRIO”
This year in particular, she has proved that her designs have always been up to date, despite her age: The "IRIO" floor lamp by Baltensweiler received the Red Dot: Best of the Best, the highest award in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2020. About two weeks ago, Rosmarie Baltensweiler gave her blessing to the product. "Bright, functional, yet playful," she described the model. The three heads of the lamp can be positioned along the rod with the help of magnetic contacts. In addition, the attachable optics offer the possibility to bundle the beam angle to create different light scenarios. The design ensures maximum light quantity and variability with a minimalist and simple form language.
The jury praised the product in the highest tones: “Every detail of the IRIO floor luminaire was perfectly thought out and designed. Especially the innovative use of magnets and the attachable optics are convincing. The three luminaire heads can be conveniently adjusted to many positions and used for direct or indirect lighting. The luminaire can also be used as a reading light or for atmospheric lighting of the room. With its clear aesthetics and clever functionality, it enriches the ambience.”
Red Dot regrets the loss of a great designer and that she cannot accept her award personally anymore. Our condolences go out to her family.
