Celebrating Innovation at Formica's Annual Student Design Contest

Reimagining Spaces: Formica Corporation's Eighth Annual Design Competition Winners
Formica Corporation recently celebrated creativity and innovation through its annual student design competition, recognizing the unique talents of aspiring interior designers and architects. This year marked the eighth iteration of the FORM Student Innovation Competition, inviting students from various academic backgrounds to showcase their designs using Formica Brand products.
Under the theme "Designing for Wellbeing," participants submitted a total of 194 designs, illustrating how aspects like color, sound, and patterns can enhance the overall experience of a space. Each entry was required to utilize three or more Formica Brand or FENIX products to truly embody the theme.
This year's competition yielded impressive results, with cash prizes awarded to the top three winners. In an exciting twist, two entries tied for third place, leading to four designs being honored this year. The grand prizewinner's design will even be realized in a physical form at NeoCon 2025, a pivotal event in the commercial design sector. Formica Corporation will proudly feature the winning design at this prestigious show.
“Witnessing the innovative interpretations from applicants this year was incredibly rewarding,” shared Meghan Howell, the North American design and creative director at Formica Corporation. “Seeing how students utilize various surfaces and textures to promote a sense of wellbeing was inspiring, reaffirming that the future of design is bright.”
Winners and Their Remarkable Designs
Grand Prize Winner: Leah-Marie Boake from the New Jersey Institute of Technology claimed the top honor with her entry titled "Playce." This innovative design combines an indoor playhouse and desk, encouraging imaginative play among children—a critical aspect of their cognitive and emotional development.
Jon Otis, an esteemed competition judge and professor from Pratt Institute, highlighted the project's importance, stating, “The Playce project beautifully integrates wellness initiatives essential for childhood growth, all presented through a fun and functional design that creatively employs Formica Laminate.”
Second Place Prize: The dynamic duo of Stacy-Ann Matthews and Tara Hunt from Yorkville University in Ontario, Canada, earned the second-place recognition for their multifunctional creation named "Noyes Balance." This piece is designed meticulously to enhance home workspaces, promoting organization while concealing clutter, thus fostering a healthier work environment.
Third Place Winners: The competition saw two contenders tying for the third-place award. Andrea Vidal Alvarez from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla introduced "SereniTea Hub," a multifunctional cabinet that aims to provide small moments of wellness in daily routines. Meanwhile, Grace Luong from University of Waterloo presented "Solarium," a lamp designed to reflect the essence of sunlight, connecting users with nature and ensuring a sense of tranquility.
Honorable Mentions Stand Out
In addition to the main winners, several designs garnered honorable mentions, showcasing the breadth of creativity among participants. The top ten finishers, listed in no particular order, are as follows:
- Sabrina Landry from Cégep de Trois-Rivières
- Mathilde Johnson from Cégep de Trois-Rivières
- Takeshi Harada from New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Zaida Vanessa Manzano Rivera and Adriana Munguía Chirino from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México
- Ava Cannedy from Purdue University
- Eduardo Regis Vázquez Carrasco and María Fernanda Castolo Aguilar from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Formica Corporation: A Leader in Surfaces
Established in 1913, Formica Corporation has long been recognized for its pioneering role in the design, manufacture, and distribution of innovative surfaces that serve both commercial and residential purposes. The company continues to revolutionize the industry by providing high-quality products and engaging programs, maintaining a reputation for excellence. For inquiries regarding Formica's extensive line of products or to discover current promotions, customers can reach out via 1-800-FORMICA™.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FORM Student Innovation Competition?
The FORM Student Innovation Competition is an annual contest by Formica Corporation that invites students to design innovative furniture pieces using Formica products, promoting creativity in design.
Who were the winners of this year's competition?
The grand prize winner was Leah-Marie Boake, with Stacy-Ann Matthews and Tara Hunt coming in second, and two students, Andrea Vidal Alvarez and Grace Luong, tying for third place.
What was the theme for this year's competition?
The theme for this year's competition was "Designing for Wellbeing," focusing on how design can influence positive living experiences.
What will the grand prize winner receive?
The grand prize winner will not only receive a cash prize but also have their design fabricated and showcased at NeoCon 2025.
Where can I find more information about Formica products?
For more details about Formica Corporation's products and initiatives, you can visit their official website or call 1-800-FORMICA™ for assistance.
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