Jan Schmitt's Circus: Redefining Bottle Openers

Golden A' Design Award Winner Transforms Stainless Steel into Functional Art

The inspiration for the Circus came from an unexpected source: a well-designed bicycle saddle substructure. Schmitt saw the saddle online a few years ago and was struck by its curved metal ribbon-like structure. This structure served as the starting point for the Circus, which, like the saddle, is a deformed 1mm stainless steel sheet.

What sets the Circus apart from other bottle openers is its simplicity and reduction. It has no front, back, top, or bottom. It is mirror-symmetric in two axes and can be used to open cap bottles from four different positions. With a diameter of 55mm, it fits comfortably in the palm, and its curved shape enhances the tactile experience. The high gloss polished finish and rounded edges add to its aesthetic appeal.

The Circus is made from a 1mm 18/8 stainless steel sheet. The manufacturing process involves stamping, pressing, deburring, polishing, and engraving. Despite its complex design, the Circus is a simple, manufacturable product, a testament to Schmitt's ability to distill a concept to its essence.

But the journey from concept to final product was not without challenges. Schmitt had to overcome creative, technical, and research hurdles to bring his vision to life. He conducted research on Pinterest, finding inspiration in beautiful objects, and then worked out the rest in his head and on paper.

The Circus is not just a bottle opener; it's a piece of functional art that redefines what a bottle opener can be. It's a testament to Schmitt's creativity and innovation, qualities that earned him the Golden A' Design Award. This award is given to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.