An abstract design inspired by the night sky has won the Australian Furniture Design Award (AFDA) announced last night in Adelaide.

The piece, titled The Sun, The Moon and Me, is by Sydney industrial designer Seaton McKeon.

Acting as a mirror and a light fitting, with the use of LED lighting and a copper-coloured reflective circle, it exudes originality in design and form.

The design was one of six shortlisted from a total of 150 entries in the inaugural award, with McKeon winning $20,000 in prize money, a residency at Adelaide’s JamFactory, and the opportunity to develop a piece for commercial production and distribution through Stylecraft furniture company.

Seaton McKeon alongside his winning design at last night’s award event. Photo: supplied

The Sun, The Moon and Me, which McKeon says is most striking when viewed at night, is an abstract representation of the night sky.

“The etchings on the back of the larger circle are taken from drawings of the stars seen by the naked eye.

“Many of us don’t have the opportunity to view the night sky in all its glory, so I wanted to somehow make that enjoyment accessible through a piece of furniture.”

McKeon, who studied industrial design at the University of New South Wales, says that after learning he had been shortlisted for the award, he threw himself into developing and improving on the concept and visual appeal of his work.

“The design was very unresolved at first, so when I found out it had been shortlisted I really pushed the original idea.”

AFDA judges included representatives of award presenters the JamFactory and Stylecraft, as well as journalist Fenella Kernebone, Art Gallery of SA director Nick Mitzevitch, and Woods Bagot principal Rosina Di Maria.

The Art Gallery of SA will acquire McKeon’s piece for display alongside its decorative arts collection, which includes one of Marc Newson’s Lockheed Lounges.

“The fact that the Art Gallery of South Australia agreed to purchase the winning prototype, sight unseen, was huge testament to their faith in us and the award,” JamFactory CEO Brian Parkes said last night at the award event.

Stylecraft managing director Anthony Collins said there were excellent opportunities ahead for the award winner.

“It definitely doesn’t end when the lights go out tonight,” he said, ahead of the announcement.

“Tomorrow, we will be getting straight to work with the winner to progress with them and produce amazing things.”

Prototypes by the six Australian Furniture Design Award  finalists will be displayed at Stylecraft’s Adelaide showroom until July 20. You can see photos of the other designs in this InDaily story.