Nicolas Pinon, Dimitry Hlinka Entropy, from wave to light

Based on the physical principle that links heat and temperature, the object, drawn with a single line, is a radiator designed as a mobile space heater. Entropie is a minor aesthetic masterpiece as well as an innovation. Above all, it is the perfect synthesis of the duo's know-how, illustrating the strength and quality of a common intellectual path. The idea’s starting point was the properties of the Japanese-origin plant-based lacquer used by Nicolas. "Widely used in tableware, it can be heated up to 200°C. The challenge was to make the most of its characteristics to open up new horizons", he says.

After many experiments, Dimitry transposed the thermochromic technique, traditionally used in manufacturing, to this unique piece. Meanwhile, Nicolas Pinon worked on a practical application with a perfect result: when the radiator is on and exceeds 35°C, it turns from black to deep red, stabilizing when it reaches the temperature limit of 50°C. Entropie required nearly 450 hours of work. Its structure is made up of about 30 3D-printed tubes in biodegradable soy resin. It weighs just four kilos.

• Nicolas Pinon, virtuoso lacquerer
• Dimitry Hlinka: the union of craftsmanship and new technology

Nicolas Pinon, virtuoso lacquerer

Nicolas Pinon earned a cabinetmaking degree from the Ecole Boulle in 2001 before focusing on traditional and contemporary finishing techniques. A lecture triggered his fascination with Japanese lacquer. In 2003, he went to the EPSAR (Escuela Profesional Superior de Arte y Restauración) in Barcelona to learn the techniques of this material. To perfect his skills, he traveled to Japan several times to work with the greatest master lacquerers. Nicolas Pinon became a freelance lacquerer/designer in 2008 and has worked on numerous projects, notably with Jacques Garcia and Joseph Karam. Since 2013, he has focused entirely on Japanese lacquer. He divides his time between between restoration and designing jewelry or furniture. Dimitry Hlinka, a designer who graduated from the École Boulle, creates objects combining manual skills and digital expertise, a field of experimentation on the border between design and craftsmanship.

• Laureate's website

• 2001 Graduated from Cabinetmaking section at the École Boulle (Paris)

• 2004 Lacquer-decorator at Ateliers Brugier (Paris), lacquer-varnisher / cabinet-making company SEMA (Paris)

• 2007 Training in vegetable lacquer, workshop of Nagatoshi Onishi, professor at the Beaux-Arts in Tokyo. Two more will follow in 2015 and 2019.

• 2020 Winner of the Liliane Bettencourt Prize pour l'Intelligence of the Main® (Dialogues)

Dimitry Hlinka: the union of craftsmanship and new technology

A designer graduated from the Ecole Boulle, Dimitry Hlinka designs and produces objects combining manual and digital know-how, a real testing ground at the frontiers of design and artisanal technique.

• Laureate's website

• 2011 Craftsmanship certificate in cabinetmaking. Diploma in Marquetry and Master of Applied Art in Design (École Boulle, Paris)

• 2016 Residence with bamboo masters in Nantou (Taiwan) then residence at the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute in Nantou

• 2018 Workshop at the Shanghai Art Design Academy (China)

• 2020 Winner of the Liliane Bettencourt Prize pour l'Intelligence de la Main® (Dialogues)