Budding genius

Inspired by ikebana, Alessi Design Award winner Zachary Hanna’s novel vase design conceives a more natural way to display a bloom.

CONG RATULATIONS TO ALESSI Design Award winner Zachary Hanna, whose ‘Plateau’ vase was judged best product in the annual competition organised by Belle. Zachary’s prize includes flights to Milan to meet the Alessi family and the chance to present his work to potentially go into production for the iconic Italian firm. WHAT WERE SOME E ARLY CREATIVE INFLUENCES? Stumbling upon Zaha Hadid’s work drew me into the world of architecture and design, but my taste and style has since become more subdued. Creatively, seeing my father build and fix things when I was young has helped me in my own work. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECTS AND CAREER EXPERIENCES? Winning the Cult Design Journey in 2016 and being able to bring my table lamp to life with their team; working for Adam Goodrum while studying and travelling to Salone del Mobile and various design studios such as Michael Young, Louis Poulsen and Hay. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION AND CONCEPT FOR THE ‘PLATEAU’? My vase was inspired by ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. I was interested in the way a sparser arrangement better showcases the flora, akin to how

“I was interested in the way a sparser arrangement better showcases the flora ...”