Are you a student architect or designer with a passion for creating innovative, functional furniture pieces? The 2025 FORM Student Innovation Competition by Formica Corporation is now open for entries! This competition is your opportunity to showcase your vision and design skills by creating a furniture piece that enhances well-being, with the chance to win cash prizes and industry recognition.
This year's theme invites students to design a furniture piece for any residential or commercial setting, incorporating three or more Formica® Laminate or FENIX™ products. The competition is in its 8th year and encourages students to explore the possibilities of modern materials while pushing the boundaries of furniture design.
Why Enter the 2025 FORM Student Innovation Competition?
- Cash Prizes: The grand prize winner will receive a $2,000 USD cash award. Second place will receive $1,000 USD, and third place will receive $500 USD.
- Industry Exposure: The winning design will be fabricated and displayed at NeoCon 2025 in Chicago, one of the most prestigious events in the commercial design industry.
- Networking Opportunities: All top three winners will be invited to attend NeoCon 2025, where they can connect with industry professionals and immerse themselves in the vibrant design community.
- Build Your Portfolio: This competition offers a platform to enhance your design portfolio with real-world applications, gaining recognition from leading industry figures.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to student architects and designers who are enrolled in accredited undergraduate or graduate design programs. Whether you're an individual or part of a team, this is your chance to take your designs from concept to reality while exploring innovative uses of Formica materials.
Submission Guidelines:
Participants are tasked with designing a furniture piece that enhances well-being, whether for a residential or commercial setting. The design must incorporate three or more Formica® Laminate or FENIX™ products to showcase the versatility and functionality of these materials.
Important Dates:
- Entry Deadline: March 7, 2025.
- NeoCon 2025: June, Chicago, IL.
How to Enter the 2025 FORM Student Innovation Competition:
- Download the entry packet from the official competition page for full details and submission guidelines.
- Prepare your entry materials, including your design statement and project visuals.
- Submit your entry via email to designcontest@formica.com by the March 7, 2025 deadline.
Evaluation Criteria:
Entries will be evaluated based on:
- Innovation and Creativity: How well does your design push the boundaries of traditional furniture concepts?
- Incorporation of Formica Materials: How creatively are Formica® Laminate and FENIX™ products integrated into your design?
- Functionality: Does the piece enhance well-being while maintaining practicality?
- Aesthetic Appeal: Is the design visually compelling for its intended setting?
- Sustainability: Consideration of eco-friendly materials and practices in your design process is encouraged.
Prizes and Recognition:
- 1st Place: $2,000 USD cash prize + your design will be fabricated and displayed at NeoCon 2025.
- 2nd Place: $1,000 USD cash prize.
- 3rd Place: $500 USD cash prize.
- All top three winners will be invited to NeoCon 2025, with the chance to network with leading professionals in the design industry.
About the Competition:
The FORM Student Innovation Competition continues the legacy of FORM: Contemporary Architects at Play, a challenge first introduced by Formica Corporation in 2008. In past years, renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Michael Graves, and Massimo Vignelli have participated in creating works of art using Formica® products. Today, the competition is a platform for students to follow in the footsteps of these design giants and showcase their unique visions.
Next Steps: