October 14, 2024
Optimares wins the Red Dot Award: Our SoFab takes flight!
We are proud to announce that Optimares has reached a new milestone in its mission to revolutionize in-flight comfort: we have won the prestigious Red Dot Award in the Concept Design category with our aircraft seat, SoFab. This award, often referred to as the Oscar of design, solidifies our position as pioneers in the innovation of the aeronautical sector.
On October 10th, winning designers from around the world gathered in Singapore to celebrate their achievements. The awards ceremony took place at the Capitol Theatre in Singapore.
The Red Dot Award: a seal of excellence in Design
The Red Dot Award, presented by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Essen, Germany, since 1955, is one of the most coveted recognitions in the world of design, particularly in the technology sector. This prize celebrates not only aesthetics but also the functionality and innovation of products.
The category award won by Optimares, the Red Dot Award for “Design Concept,” has a more recent history, having been established in 2005. It has quickly become a valuable professional platform for evaluating and recognizing excellence in design projects. This award, judged by a panel of 40 experts, identifies and celebrates new design concepts and innovations that are the forerunners of tomorrow’s great products.
“Design concepts are mental experiments, and sometimes small things can make a big difference. The future depends on today’s creatives and their visions,” explained Professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of Red Dot. “Therefore, it is important to support existing talents and empower them to fully flourish.”
Our Flagship: SoFab
SoFab is an innovative business-class seat that elevates passenger comfort, ensures accessibility for people with disabilities, and promotes a greener approach to air travel. Made from recycled materials, SoFab features a manual actuation system for smooth transitions, reducing weight and emissions. It ensures exceptional comfort and accessibility, transforming into a full-width bed with ample storage, blending luxury, simplicity, and sustainability for an eco-friendly journey.
Technology and Comfort
We have integrated advanced technologies into SoFab to enhance the flight experience:
- Direct aisle access
- Intuitive touchscreen controls for all seat functions
- Easily accessible USB ports and power outlets
Premium Materials and Sustainability
In collaboration with Poltrona Frau, we have selected top-quality materials that not only offer superior comfort but are also sustainable. The natural leather upholstery is treated with eco-friendly processes, while the padding uses high-performance recycled materials.
Optimization and Efficiency
Despite the high level of comfort, SoFab has been designed to optimize cabin space. Additionally, the use of lightweight but durable materials contributes to a significant reduction in the overall weight of the aircraft, resulting in fuel savings and reduced emissions.
Customization
Each airline has its own unique identity. For this reason, SoFab offers extensive customization options, from finishes to colors, allowing each client to adapt the product to their brand identity.
Recognized Innovation
The Red Dot Award has recognized SoFab not only as an exceptional design product but as a true revolution in the aviation industry. This seat represents the perfect balance between passenger needs—seeking comfort and functionality—and airline requirements for efficiency and distinctiveness.
SoFab is the tangible result of our vision: creating products that not only meet but exceed expectations, redefining the standards of air travel. With this product, Optimares confirms its position at the forefront of aeronautical design, ready to lead the industry towards new horizons of innovation and comfort.
A Special Thanks to Our Partners
This extraordinary achievement would not have been possible without the crucial contribution of our long-standing partners. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Poltrona Frau for supporting us with their unmatched expertise in working with premium materials and Goood Design Strategy Agency, which has played a crucial role in our creative process for years. Their innovative vision and holistic approach to design have helped shape a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of both passengers and airlines.
Our collaboration with these exceptional partners has allowed us to perfectly blend functionality, aesthetics, and innovation, creating a truly revolutionary product in the aviation sector.
Looking to the Future
This recognition is not the endpoint but a new starting point for Optimares. Our success at the Red Dot Award is a testament to the excellence of Italian design on a global stage. It demonstrates that innovation, combined with the tradition of “Made in Italy” and collaboration with high-level partners, can truly elevate Italian companies to new heights.