Design panel “Silent-Iconic” designed by Hitachi, Ltd. and manufactured by Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning was awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD 2020 organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH.
The iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the world’s most prestigious design prizes over more than half a century since 1953, and is consisted of 7 disciplines: Product, Packaging, Communication, Interior Architecture, Service Design, Professional Concept and Architecture. In this year’s iF DESIGN AWARD, 7,298 entries were submitted from 56 nations. The evaluation was comprehensively conducted based on the design features of uniqueness, innovation, functionality such as usability, and environmental friendliness as well as quality. This time, Hitachi and Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning’s Silent-Iconic was awarded in the discipline of Product.
The awarded Silent-Iconic panel is an option panel designed to be inconspicuous in architectural spaces. While architects prefers ducted indoor units which is invisible from architectural spaces, compromise tends to be made due to cost reasons, resulting in the often use of cassette-indoor units. Survey conducted to architects by Hitachi and Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning revealed that there is a hidden needs for visually silent cassette-type air conditioner design that harmonize with interiors.
Maintaining cost advantage, ease of installation and performance of cassette-type air conditioners, the Silent-Iconic panel offers unobtrusive design drawing near ducted indoor unit. By expressing the four louvers into one square slit-shaped panel, we reduced visual impact to secure harmonious design in interior space. Also, the central inlet is louvered to blend with architectural ceiling design.
