Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Kato Herbots, 23, from Sint-Truiden, won the OVAM Ecodesign Award for Students 2023 for her project “Residents of Solar Space.” Her designs include a UV-sensitive beach towel and a vitamin D sweater, promoting sustainability. She graduated from LUCA School of Arts in Genk.
The OVAM Ecodesign Award for Students 2023, organized by OVAM and Vlaanderen Circulair, celebrated innovative and sustainable student designs. The award aims to promote the circular economy by recognizing young designers who focus on environmental and social responsibility. This year’s ceremony featured impressive contributions in various categories, showcasing students’ creativity in addressing important environmental challenges.
What innovative designs earned Kato Herbots the OVAM ecodesign Award 2023?
In the ‘Human Interest’ and ‘Inspiring Design’ categories, 23-year-old Kato Herbots from Sint-Truiden won the top award. Recently graduated with a master’s degree in Product Design from the LUCA School of Arts in Genk, Kato impressed the judges with a project that combined usefulness and sustainability. They mentioned that her design met important human needs and encouraged people to think about eco-friendly solutions.Â
Kato Herbots won an award for her project called “Residents of Solar Space.” She made a beach towel with a sundial that tells you how long you can stay in the sun safely, depending on the UV level and skin type. Kato also created a sweater that lets in UV rays to help people get enough vitamin D in winter. She believes that instead of just using sunscreen and vitamin D pills, we can be smarter about the materials we choose, which is better for our health and the planet. Kato is happy to be recognized for her work and glad that her new ideas are appreciated.
