Alongside Switzerland and Lebanon, Moscow Design Museum's representation of Russia's growing design industry showcases a thought-provoking installation as an "archive of forgotten Soviet designs" throughout history.
Utopia Medal goes to Russia! tnx @londonbiennale! @guardian @BBCNews @Independent @thetimes @observer @MetroUK pic.twitter.com/QdPVLapBeA
— MoscowDesignMuseum (@MosDesignMuseum) September 9, 2016
Spanning the pre-revolutionary to Soviet periods and all the way through to more contemporary Russian design trends, an esteemed jury of leading architects and organizing members of the festival decided that it was one of many most inspiring interpretations for the overall biennale theme, "Utopia by design."
Sputnik spoke to Natalia Goldchteine from the Moscow Design Museum about receiving the award.
"We are absolutely thrilled at receiving such an unexpected honor and it really is a result from over 4 years of hard work and research by our team in Moscow.
"To receive such recognition from the international community in the world of design makes this award that much more special. We owe a great deal of thanks to our supporters who include the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, and we hope we can continue to encourage more innovation from what is a relatively young design industry in our country," Natalia Goldchteine told Sputnik.
The three week takeover at Somerset House in Central London takes visitors on an "around-the-world" journey through both contemporary and historical design exhibits and with an entertaining and inspiring exploration of the role it plays in all of our collective futures worldwide.
Lebanon's interpretation of Beirut's street markets to the banks of the Thames also shared first honors during the first week of the festival, as did the contribution of Switzerland designers, who conveyed a concept of "neutrality" as part of their "utopian" design vision.
A number of other awards will also be announced whilst the festival commences at Somerset House in Central London and works from over 30 international regions are on show including from India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, UK and many more.
Further info on the festival can be found via the festival website.
