Nóra Szilágyi, Hungary, 2026

Nominator: Peter Molnar

Nominator's statement

In her work, Nóra combines elegance with simplicity and style, while keeping an attentive eye on local industrial heritage and business perspectives. Her designs communicate the very essence of the objects with a refined sense of taste and remarkable attention to detail. Her subtle forms reflect her humble attitude towards the subject, the users, and the other stakeholders involved in her design activities. She applies a systemic approach, considering society as the embedding ecosystem. Her practice is characterized by sustained persistence over long-term projects, which, to me, shows that she will be able to remain active and impactful in tackling the wicked problems facing designers in the coming decades.

REFLECTAReflecta is a range of light fixtures developed through in-depth research into the history of a former Hungarian lamp factory. The now defunct Szarvasi Light Factory had a significant influence on everyday design during the socialist era: in the 1960s–70s, its large-scale industrial production made contemporary styles widely accessible to Hungarian households.
Although the original factory has closed, a small workshop continues to preserve its tools and technical knowledge. Reflecta is designed to build on these existing capabilities, enabling efficient small-series manufacturing. The lamps are made of 1 mm thick aluminum using metal spinning. Identical angles and silhouettes allow multiple components to be produced with the original tooling, reducing material waste and production costs. Standard E27/E14 fittings ensure long-term usability.
Each lamp features a movable upper element that shifts the light between direct and indirect modes, supporting both task and ambient lighting in compact contemporary living spaces. Reflecta reinterprets familiar Eastern European lamp typologies to meet current functional and production requirements.
AT LEAST - WORKOUT BENCH
The COVID pandemic reshaped domestic life long after lockdowns ended. As the functions of home spaces merged, new, efficient solutions became necessary, including for exercise. At-home fitness—especially weight training—has grown rapidly, increasing demand for versatile equipment that avoids fast redundancy. Yet most gym equipment lacks the aesthetic quality to integrate into a refined interior.

‘At Least’ provides the full range of functions required for fundamental dumbbell and intense bodyweight exercises at 0°, 45°, and 80°, while its furniture-like appearance conceals a storage compartment. It allows a seamless transition into training mode without adjustments. The bench is upholstered in durable, easy-to-clean fabric, and its ergonomic backrest both supports varied exercises and covers the storage space, hidden beneath an arch-shaped textile element.

Designed to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle, ‘At Least’ offers dual, long-term functionality as both workout equipment and practical furniture—remaining useful even beyond its fitness purpose.

EVE - ALARM SYSTEM FOR THE HOME
The EVE Alarm System is a life-saving, community-based IoT solution designed to detect dangers in isolated apartment units, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. When an emergency is identified, the system alerts neighbouring residents, enabling them to provide immediate assistance in the critical moments before first responders arrive.
At its core is a central unit connected to a range of sensors that monitor carbon monoxide levels, water leaks, electrical faults, and even vital signs. If a hazard occurs, the system emits an audible alarm and clearly indicates which flat is affected, supporting fast, coordinated action within the building.
EVE is intuitive and easy to use, requiring no app, making it accessible to elderly users and people with physical or cognitive disabilities. The number of sensors and compatible devices can be expanded without replacing the main unit. Built with energy-efficient technology, it supports sustainability by monitoring existing systems, detecting faults early, and extending their lifespan.
The EVE system was inspired by and named after a dear friend, Evelin, who sadly lost her life in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Nóra Szilágyi

I am Nóra Szilágyi, a Hungarian industrial designer based in Budapest. I graduated from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design.

Already during my academic years, it was important for me to connect to the market and gain real experience. For the past three years, I have been part of the Flying Objects design studio as an industrial designer, working on ongoing commissions and designing for real clients, manufacturers, and current needs.

Alongside my studio work, I continuously develop personal projects. Two of them, At Least and the EVE Alarm System, received Red Dot Design Concept Awards. In my independent work, I enjoy collaborating with communities and makers, as well as working on projects related to design heritage, with the aim of creating useful and realistic improvements through design. I like to start from everyday situations and weave a subtle extra story into my projects, something people can relate to and connect with.

Contact
szilagyi.nora99@gmail.com

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