FORM Student Innovation Competition Opens for Entries Sep. 5
Architecture and design students invited to create design renderings using Formica® Brand products for the opportunity to win cash prizes and a public exhibit showcasing their work
The search is on for the next generation of architecture and design leaders as Formica Corporation announces a call for entries in the FORM Student Innovation Competition, open Sept. 5 through Nov. 10. The challenge occurs nearly a decade after a similar competition in which the company invited world-renowned architects and designers to create works of art from Formica® Brand products. This time around, veterans of iconic firms honored in the first challenge will judge the work of today’s up-and-coming talent to determine the winners of cash prizes, national recognition, and the chance to showcase their work in a public exhibit.
In the 2008 FORM Contemporary Architects at Play challenge, Formica Corporation invited design icons Zaha Hadid, Michael Graves, Bernard Tschumi and Massimo Vignelli among others to create art in the form of something to “sit upon, lay upon, lean upon or play upon” from Formica® Brand products. Their designs, which ranged from domestic pieces to conceptual sculptures, were then exhibited at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, where Formica Corporation is headquartered.
Now in 2017, the new FORM Student Innovation Competition invites design students to take up the same challenge of creating a rendering of something to “sit upon, lay upon, lean upon or play upon” using Formica® Brand products. The grand prize winner will receive a $1,500 cash award, and their design will be fabricated and showcased at an unveiling event at the Contemporary Arts Center in 2018. The second-place winner will be awarded $1,000, and the third-place winner will receive $500.
Esteemed judges include:
- Melodie Leung with Zaha Hadid Architects
- Rob Van Varick and Donald Strum with Michael Graves Architecture & Design
- R. Roger Remington with the Vignelli Center for Design Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Raphaela Platow with the Contemporary Arts Center
- Renee Hytry Derrington, Global Design Lead for Formica Group
“Many Vignelli designs are now archetypes in the history of design, and it is my hope that the winners achieve the same,” said R. Roger Remington, Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design and Director of the Vignelli Center for Design Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology.
There are many students out there who have talents to be discovered, said Hytry Derrington. “Students who enter have a tremendous opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these design greats and have their work reviewed by individuals from some of the top architectural firms in the industry.”
“It is an honor to represent Zaha Hadid Architects in the FORM Student Innovation competition judging. Zaha’s unwavering belief in the power of invention continues to drive and inspire us every day, and it is a privilege to work with this new generation of talented young designers,” said Melodie Leung, associate at Zaha Hadid Architects.
Entries accepted Sept. 5, 2017 through Nov. 10, 2017.
Students are invited to email their entries (a rendering in PDF form) to designcontest.us@formica.com. More information, including complete contest details and rules, are available at formica.com/studentcompetition. Winners will be officially announced to the public in March 2018. The original designs from the 2008 FORM Challenge are available to view on Formica Corporation’s Facebook page.
About Formica Corporation
Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Formica Group of companies, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. For more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions, visit www.formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA™.
About Formica Group
Formica Group is a global group of companies consisting of Formica Canada Inc., Formica Corporation, Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Formica IKI Oy, Formica Skandinavien AB, Formica Limited, Formica S.A., Formica S.A.S., Formica Taiwan Corporation, Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Formica (Asia) Ltd., Formica Decorative Materials (China) Co., Ltd. and Homapal GmbH, among others. The Formica Group of companies is part of the International Business division of Fletcher Building.
Formica®, Formica® Surfaces. For Real®, and the Formica® Anvil Logo, are registered trademarks of The Diller Corporation. 1-800-FORMICA™, is a trademark of The Diller Corporation.
