Nominator: Tibor Uhrín

Nominator's statement

As a professor of design, I’ve had the privilege of working with many gifted students, but Štefánia remains one of the most outstanding individuals I’ve encountered. During her studies, she consistently demonstrated a deep curiosity for diverse design approaches, often going beyond aesthetics to reflect on the philosophy and conceptual underpinnings of her work.

Her design process is rooted in critical thinking, and it would be fair to describe her practice as strongly concept-driven. Now pursuing her doctoral research, she continues to grow as both a product and graphic designer, balancing rigorous thought with refined visual execution. Her work is sensitive, intelligent, and many times thought inducing.

I fully support her nomination for the Big See Award - Štefánia represents the kind of designer who pushes the field forward with authenticity and vision.

MÄKKO

MÄKKO is a playful seating concept which offers a variety of folding configurations, creating multiple seating arrangements suitable for individuals or groups. The product includes steel frame structures, a small table, and a soft, 7-meter-long cylindrical cushion. The metal components are made from fully recyclable steel, while the constructions allow for dynamic interaction with the cushion or serve as a standalone mute servant or a hanger.

The cushion cover is removable and machine washable, ensuring easy maintenance. The seat filling is composed of polystyrene beads, foam, and recycled materials sourced from industry waste — chosen for their anti-allergic and flame-retardant properties.

SVVVVIETNIK

Svvvvietnik is wooden candle holder with an added time-measuring function. Pressing the candle against the evenly spaced ridges creates a scale.

With standard-sized candles, each 1 cm mark represents approximately 30 minutes of burn time.

Note: “Svietnik” means “candlestick” in Slovak.

TRUDY

Trudy is a bachelor’s thesis project exploring the role of the mirror in interior spaces. The aim was to design a modular mirror set capable of transforming its appearance - and function. Its primary role is that of a vanity, which can be reconfigured into a separate full-length mirror, desk, or lamp. Each component is designed to work both independently and as part of the whole, offering flexibility in use.

The design is based on circular morphology, a shape I chose for its symbolic resonance. Sustainability and cost-efficiency were also key considerations. Trudy is crafted from birch plywood and metal, with natural varnish finishes and powder-coated surfaces. The result is a lightweight, minimal, and unconventional object intended for everyday use.