Winners announced in the 2023 FORM Student Innovation Competition
Winners announced in the 2023 FORM Student Innovation Competition
Architecture and design students submitted furniture designs for the chance to win cash prizes and showcase their work at NeoCon 2023.
As part of its continual efforts to recognize emerging design talent, Formica Corporation proudly reveals the winners of the 2023 FORM Student Innovation Competition. Now in its sixth year, the competition encourages interior design, architecture and furniture design students from the United States, Canada and Mexico to design furniture pieces using Formica® Brand products.
Participants were charged to interpret this year’s theme of maximalism, incorporating at least one pattern from the SurfaceSet® 2022 collection by Formica Corporation in their designs. More than 130 submissions from 31 universities were assessed by a panel of esteemed industry experts. Participants employed their creative prowess in defining maximalism, which could manifest as furniture featuring multiple patterns, distinctive architectural forms or vivid, eye-catching colors.
The top three winning students receive cash prizes, and the grand prize winner will see their design come to life at NeoCon 2023.
Grand prize: Tom-Elliot Monette | Cégep Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu in Quebec, Canada | "Voluta"
This striking furniture piece showcases a combination of harmonious curves and vivid colors, embodying the essence of maximalist design. Crafted from high-quality laminate, Voluta offers a stylish solution for storing and enjoying vinyl records.
Second prize: Dario Duran | New Jersey Institute of Technology | "Psychedelic Table"
This multi-tiered table design aims to elevate the dining experience with a nostalgic touch, while its distinct levels add an element of visual interest and functionality.
Third prize: Meaghan Mass | Fanshawe College in Ontario, Canada | "Mooi Modular Storage Units"
Drawing inspiration from the new maximalism movement and abstract rock formations, the Mooi modular units offer versatility and adaptability. These multifunctional units can be rearranged to serve as shelves, storage or seating, catering to various needs and preferences.
Honorable mentions: Other top 11 finishers, in no particular order, include:
- Brooke Hebner from Georgian College
- Jean Bachura from Ringling College of Art and Design
- Constance Chu from New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Carlos Eduardo Miranda Cossío from ISAD - Instituto Superior de Arquitectura y Diseño
- Shellsea Coe from Ringling College of Art and Design
- Nho Phuc (Kap) Nguyen from Dawson College
- Eaman Kaddour from New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Iran Rodriguez Saenz from ISAD - Instituto Superior de Arquitectura y Diseño
The winning designs were chosen by a jury of influential industry professionals:
- Laurinda Spear, FAIA, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP, IIDA: Principal, Arquitectonica
- Felice Silverman, FIIDA: Principal, Silverman Trykowski Associates
- Cindy Allen: Editor in Chief of Interior Design Media
- Renee Hytry Derrington: Managing Principal of Design at Formica Corporation
- David Correa: Design Partner at llLab and Associate Professor, University of Waterloo
- Santiago Sierra and Diego Linares: Architect + Furniture Design team and Co-Founders of Mesawa
About The Competition
The FORM Student Innovation Competition is a modern take on the original “FORM: Contemporary Architects at Play” challenge, held by Formica Corporation in 2008. Ten world-renowned architects, including Zaha Hadid, Michael Graves, Bernard Tschumi and Massimo Vignelli, constructed new works of art from Formica® Brand products.
Below is a gallery of the winning entries from previous years of the FORM Student Innovation Competition:
