F1 Trophy Design Race Winners Award by Sanjay Chauhan

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

SC : We were asked by our clients, Singapore Airlines, to create the 2014 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 Trophy.
 After thorough audits of past F1 Trophies, our aim was simple: Design a stunning and beautiful F1 Trophy. With over 35 sketches of various themes, the final inspiration came from the Singapore Airlines logo itself – taking the flat 2D Silver Kris logo and bring it to life in the form of 3D sculpture. Further inspiration came from the beautifully elegant Rolls Royce's ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

SC : The main focus really was to make it look stunningly beautiful, that our clients would love as well as drivers and F1 fans alike.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

SC : Each year the height of the base is increased, in the form of ridges, to reflect the number of years that the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has taken place.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

SC : From initial basic sketches to final sketch approval was around a month.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

SC : It was a request from our existing clients – we are their lead agency.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

SC : The production of all the F1 Trophies is carried out by Risis, Singapore.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

SC : There were other trophy designs we researched and wanted to prove that we could do something even more special.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

SC : Not many F1 Trophies are based on the sponsors brand identity (logo), so this was the biggest challenge. And from the ones we have referenced think ours does a very good job.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

SC : The three stripes which echo the three stripes of the Singapore Airlines bird graphic (logo) and the bird head which is a close replica to the logo. Also the trophy is 24K gold plated and is milled from blocks of solid aircraft-grade aluminium.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

SC : The design was created by TBWA but we sourced for the right partner to help bring the sketches to life. After a selection process we and our clients, Singapore Airlines, felt Risis had the best production and skills to realise the project.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

SC : Technology play a huge part, from multiple 3D printed Trophy miniatures to the milling of the wings, body and base out of solid blocks of aircraft-grade aluminium.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

SC : The F1 trophy was difficult to place into any standard category, this awards seemed to be the best fit.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

SC : The use of different types of materials, the production processes including taking simple sketches and turning them into small 3D printed miniatures.