The SIT Furniture Design Awards recognize projects that redefine the relationship between people, objects, and spaces through innovation, functionality, and design excellence. Each year, the competition attracts entries from around the world, bringing together emerging talents and established professionals who are shaping the future of contemporary design.

OTIO: A New Experience for Work and Leisure at Home

Developed in collaboration with Lenovo and Rivatelier, OTIO was born from a reflection on how domestic environments are evolving into increasingly fluid spaces that accommodate work, leisure, and new ways of interacting with technology.

The project responds to a brief focused on creating a wooden object capable of supporting digital devices without directly integrating technology into the product itself, ensuring its relevance beyond future technological developments.

The result is a multifunctional table designed to be used directly from the sofa, creating a comfortable and flexible workstation for working, studying, or enjoying digital content.

Essential Design and Intelligent Functionality

OTIO stands out for its compact and essential structure, combining contemporary aesthetics with a strong focus on user experience.

The tabletop provides a stable surface for laptops, tablets, and everyday objects, while an integrated slot allows smartphones and mobile devices to be positioned in a practical and intuitive way. The configuration of the structure adapts to different user postures, supporting a seamless transition between work and relaxation.

Crafted from wood and enhanced with contrasting color details, the project expresses a refined design language that balances material warmth, visual lightness, and functionality.

An International Recognition for Istituto Marangoni Milano Design

The award represents an important milestone in the academic and professional journey of Artis Kristians Abikis and further highlights Istituto Marangoni Milano Design’s commitment to educating designers capable of addressing contemporary challenges through innovative, human-centered, and forward-thinking solutions.

This recognition also reflects the School’s ability to foster meaningful collaborations with industry partners, enabling students to transform academic research into concrete projects that can compete successfully on an international stage.