BIRTH OF A NEW CLASSIC - C.F. Møller. Photo: Jakob Jensen
28.10.2015

BIRTH OF A NEW CLASSIC

Danish aida and C.F. Møller Design are behind the successful, prize-winning ENSŌ tableware, which combines beautiful design with innovative solutions that make everyday life both more decorative and more enjoyable - and has just won one of the world's finest design awards.
BIRTH OF A NEW CLASSIC - C.F. Møller
BIRTH OF A NEW CLASSIC - C.F. Møller. Photo: aida
A year has passed since ENSŌ from aida saw the light of day. Since then, the functional design has been stacked in a multitude of different ways, and the stacking trend has spread like ripples on the water. At the height of its success ENSŌ has just received the prestigious Designpreis Deutschland or German Design Award, which is known for spotting and recognising unique design trends. The jury, comprising a group of design experts from various sectors, not only fell for the exquisitely simple design, but also focused on the design's unique stacking solutions. They were quite right to do so, since ENSŌ can be used and combined in a multitude of different ways, giving new opportunities both in the kitchen and on the dining table. Designed for a reason Even though this design is attractive, stylish and a must for most Danish homes, its strong functionality is the main philosophy behind ENSŌ, which means circle in Japanese and is also a Zen Buddhist symbol of freedom, creativity and elegance. The plates can be used as lids, the saucers match all four types of cups, and each plate, bowl, cup or saucer can be stacked, so that the various elements can be used to e.g. store food in the refrigerator. "The series' real strength lies in its streamlined functions and the tableware's proportions, and the individual elements can be combined in ways that make this service multifunctional. The design is not just decorative, but to a high degree also functional and emotional. The curves of the circle make the various elements pleasant and nice to hold, and from whichever angle you look, you can sense the products' soft circular lines," says Michael Sebber Colfelt, architect and designer at C.F. Møller, which is behind the design. Besides the many different combinations, the design also includes other exciting features. The surface of the plates has been maximised, to give plenty of room for your dishes, and the design is also ergonomically sound: the small upward edge on the plates gives a better grip and the inward slope of the cups is not just as aesthetically pleasing solution – it also ensures that the individual elements are easier to hold and retain heat and aroma for longer. The cup lid also serves as a receptacle for teabags, and even as an egg cup. The new classic At aida they are so delighted with ENSŌ that they believe the series has the potential to become a new classic. "This is related to how we have become more quality conscious and wish to have designs that can do a bit more and last a bit longer," says aida's CEO, Peter Maae Jensen. "We see the Ensō tableware range as aida’s new Atelier – but at a higher level. Today, consumers have an even greater appreciation of quality, so we have created tableware that we believe will be viable for many years to come," says Peter Maae Jensen. ”A great deal of thought has gone into each product. The light is broken by the inward curve towards the base, so that the cups almost seem to float, and the light falls on the curves and is reflected down onto the counter or table," is how Michael Colfelt describes the design. Every stage of the process has been well-considered. Even though both plates and cups are in different sizes, they have the same height, to ensure harmony across the table. Yet this design is not the only thing that makes ENSŌ so special. Its supreme quality is also the result of many different considerations. The porcelain is pressed at high pressure and double-fired at the highest temperature, resulting in a durable product that is so hard-wearing that aida gives a ten-year edge chipping guarantee for the ENSŌ products. For more info contact: aida (www.aida.dk): Charlotte Juel csj@aida.dk C.F. Møller Design: Michael Sebber Colfelt msc@cfmoller.com