2025 Winner
Curve
by Alexander Budd
“It was my aim to design a contemporary cutlery set that is beautiful, functional and unique. It was also very important to me that the set had a strong concept - and conveyed a meaningful truth. We live in an increasingly polarised and divided world - in which many people focus on the differences between us, rather than the many significant things that unite us all.
It is very common for cutlery sets to be ‘unified’ through the design / treatment of their handles as a knife, fork and spoon have very different purposes, and are traditionally very different in form. I wanted to explore whether it was possible to design a set of cutlery where the knife, fork and spoon were created from the same original ‘blank’ of metal. I started by putting aside everything that I already knew about what a cutlery set should be - and thought about what the essential functions of each element were; Knife (cut), Fork (stab), Spoon (scoop).
Once I had decided to focus on the concept of having all elements of the set made from the same original ‘blank’ of metal, I made many models to refine and perfect the curves and dimensions. I did size research / tests to perfect the dimensions of the various elements, and then made various prototypes in metal, to get a true feel for the functionality and comfort of the set.
The slight curve of the metal sheet greatly enhances the comfort and functionality - as the thumb of the user sits within the curve when using. The curve also significantly increases the strength of each piece meaning that less material is required to make them. Another benefit of the curve is that it enables all three elements of the cutlery set to ‘nest’ together. ”
Statement by the Judges
A minimalist and striking design perfectly balancing form and functionality, comfort and class.
Runner Up
MetalliFold
by Sheng-Yi Chen
The Elegance of Folding in Metal
“A meal consists of food, while cutlery serves as a tool to cut, divide, and bring food to our mouth. The motion of folding and unfolding fascinates me—transforming a flat surface into structure, volume, and function.
With MetalliFold, I translate origami-inspired principles into metal folding techniques, exploring how a single sheet of metal can be precisely folded into functional cutlery. Instead of sculpting or assembling parts, this seamless process emphasizes movement, efficiency, and structural beauty.
Each fold is intentionally shaping not only form but also balance, ergonomics, and interaction with food. By embracing metal folding techniques, this design reduces material waste while celebrating geometric purity.
MetalliFold captures the fluidity of origami within the permanence of metal.”
Statement by the Judges
An elegant and inventive design cleverly executed in impressive prototypes.
Highly Commended
“When thinking about this project, contemporary design, and what eating and food mean to me, there was always one thing that always stuck in my mind. Smartphones, social media, and their effects on wider society. Based on the object that has become emblematic of the modern human experience, “Rectangles 3 and Rectangles 3XL” aims to playfully satirise and shine a spotlight on something that we seem to be unable to get away from. How the smartphone and instantaneous access to social media has warped a lot of our perceptions of ourselves and each other.
Everywhere we go, the dining experience is affected by the smartphone. We photograph our food, we take selfies eating, we browse and scroll while we eat, we like and comment and repost. All for, in many ways, the approval of others, the need for connection in our pervasive isolation and the need to be up to date with the latest news and gossip.
For the construction I chose Sterling Silver, not just because it is a common flatware material but due to its incredibly high degree of reflectiveness. Silver exhibits the highest degree of reflectivity of any metal, and I wanted the cutlery to draw the eye to our own appearance like the front-facing camera of a smartphone taking a selfie. The shapes, lines and cutouts take inspiration from the shapes of a smartphone camera unit again to invoke the smartphone itself and this idea of social media photography and engagement. I feel the simple, sterile slabs of metal help convey the design philosophy that has followed this technology since the reveal of the iPhone in 2007.”
Statement of the Judges
A clever, sleek and well thought out design beautifully brought to life in convincing prototypes.
Rectangles 3
by Kris Muir
