Call for Entries in Sixth Annual FORM Student Innovation Competition

Formica Corporation recently announced the opening of the 2023 FORM Student Innovation Competition. This annual competition invites architecture and interior design students in the U.S., Canada and, new this year, Mexico, to showcase their creativity through original furniture designs that feature Formica Brand products.

Twins Table, a design by Sarah Dezember and Wenhan Zhang from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, was the Grand Prize winner of the 2022 FORM Student Innovation Competition hosted by Formica Corporation. The 2023 competition launched this month and is open through March 6, 2023, with winners to be announced in April 2023.

This year’s challenge asks students to submit a color rendering and project statement for a furniture design that interprets the student’s concept of maximalism. The “new maximalism” revolves around maximum color, painterly print and rich textures. It allows a space for expressing individuality and unique perspectives. Students are asked to use their creativity when defining what maximalism means to them, which could be furniture with multiple patterns, unique architectural shapes or bold, saturated colors that draw the eye.

Student submissions must include three or more Formica or FENIX Brand products, including at least one from the SurfaceSet 2022 collection by Formica Corporation. They will have the chance to win cash prizes and national recognition and have their work showcased at NeoCon 2023. A distinguished panel of industry and design professionals will judge the student submissions.

“Each year, we continue to be impressed by the unparalleled originality and inventiveness students bring to this competition,” said Renee Hytry Derrington, managing principal of North American design at Formica Corporation. “We are incredibly excited to announce the expansion of the competition into Mexico, growing its international presence and celebrating innovative designs from the next generation across more of North America.”

The grand prize winner will receive a $2,000 cash award and their design will be fabricated and displayed during NeoCon 2023 in Chicago. The second-place winner will be awarded $1,000 and the third-place winner will receive $500. The top three winners also will be invited to attend NeoCon as guests of Formica Corporation for the opportunity to network with industry professionals and get a taste of the design community.