Exterior and interior design of double-door refrigerators, from a design philosophy for something out of the ordinary. Outside, a gentle yet minimalistic appearance makes these models feel right at home in kitchens, while the dual display instantly signals that independent temperature zones are provided. Inside, a "Z" shelving system and new, moveable trays make it easy to store or reposition various types of food - design consistent with eating habits in Europe, where more or larger beverages are often on hand.

A double-door refrigerator with independent cooling zones. Because this is a mature product category, there are no ground-breaking features, yet these models deserve recognition for highly polished design and an appearance that complements interior design. In Japan, the buzzwords "designer appliances," "interior appliances," and "simple appliances" are evidence of an unprecedented flourishing of appliance design. Still, practical and graceful appliances are not very common. For this reason, I recommend these refrigerators for the gold prize, as excellent examples of carefully designed appliances without unsettling reminders of the designer's carefulness. May they serve as a model for Japanese appliance design. Distinguishing an ordinary refrigerator with a gold prize for its beauty would surely convey an important message for appliance design. [Fumie Shibata, A06 unit leader]