Designers responsible for the 2012 Olympics Aquatic Centre, Burberry macs, Formula One cars, the first laptop computer and the motorway signage system are among the nominees for this year's prestigious Prince Philip Designers Prize, announced today.
The glittering line-up includes globally renowned avant-garde fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, designer of the futuristic London 2012 Aquatic Centre Zaha Hadid, inventor of the UK's signage system for motorways and airports Margaret Calvert, Burberry's chief Creative Director Christopher Bailey and visionary designer of the world's first ever laptop Bill Moggridge.
The winner of the Prize, which recognises an outstanding contribution to UK business and society through design, will be announced by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a ceremony at the Design Council on November 9.
This year's finalists cover a wide range of disciplines - from industrial and fashion design to engineering and graphics - and between them provide a snapshot of the creative and commercial strengths of the UK design industry.
"This year's nominees demonstrate the extraordinary breadth and versatility of Britain's design talent, from the fearless avant-gardists to world-class technologists and engineers and those whose commercial genius drives our economic success," said David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council.