Photo: Formica
Cali Pitcher from Georgian College in Ontario, Canada, is the grand prize winner for her entry “Notions.” Inspired by mid-century modern design (1945-70), Notions encapsulates the mantra of the design movement: form follows function.
Formica Canada has announced the winners of its annual student design competition, which spotlights the creativity and design prowess of the next generation of interior designers and architects. Cali Pitcher from Georgian College in Ontario, Canada, is the grand prize winner.
Now in its seventh year, the 2024 FORM Student Innovation Competition invited students studying interior design, architecture and furniture design in Canada, the United States and Mexico to create furniture pieces utilizing Formica brand products. This year, 190 eligible submissions were received, exceeding 2023 submissions by 26 per cent.
Students showcased their creativity by designing a furniture piece that interpreted the theme of “Newstalgia,” an aesthetic that blends retro and vintage design with a fresh, modern take. The designs incorporated two or more Formica Laminate colours or patterns and at least one colour from FENIXTM innovative materials.
“Once again this year, we are pleased to see that the FORM Student Innovation Competition is attracting significant interest from students and educational institutions in Canada. More than half of the 190 applications received, or 102 proposals, came from Canada,” said Christelle Locat-Rainville, marketing director at Formica Canada.
“Every year, the quality of the proposed projects improves in terms of rigour and creativity. We want to congratulate all the students who participated this year, especially our winner, Cali Pitcher, and the two other Canadian students who made it into the top 10.”
Grand prize: Cali Pitcher from Georgian College in Ontario, Canada, is the grand prize winner for her entry “Notions.” Inspired by mid-century modern design (1945-70), Notions encapsulates the mantra of the design movement: form follows function.
“Cali’s winning design is a testament to the power of innovative thinking,” said Meghan Howell, North American design and creative director at Formica Corporation. “By seamlessly blending mid-century modern inspiration with contemporary functionality, she has created a remarkable piece that captures the imagination and nods to the nostalgia of the past.”
Second prize: Audrey Weiss from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, received the second price for her timeless piece “Novaro.” The incredible piece invites users to reminisce while embracing modern comfort.
Third prize: Juarez Zacatel and Monica Arrezola from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla in Puebla, Mexico, won the third-place prize together for their “Saturno Cabinet.” The Saturno Cabinet is inspired by the colors of the ‘80s and outer space, an important inspiration point in design during that time, representing the timeless nature of both this furniture style and its materials in a straightforward manner.
The students behind the top three winning designs receive cash prizes and the grand prize winner will get to see her design come to life at NeoCon 2024, from June 10 to 12, at the Mart in Chicago.
Honorable mentions: Other finishers for the best projects, include:
· Gigi Dybalsko and Jenny Huggon from Sheridan College, Ontario
· Maryna Diachenko from Dawson College, Quebec
· Alex Borger from Bowling Green University, Kentucky
· Capri Easterday from Ringling College of Art and Design, Florida
· Emilia González from Anahuac Mayab University, Mexico
· Hector Godinez from Anahuac Mayab University, Mexico
· Salem Morris from Appalachian State, South Carolina
For more information visit: www.formica.com/studentcompetition
