Do you have a design concept for a chair or table burning at the back of your mind? Well here’s a great reason to put pencil to paper and prototype it. The Andreu World International Design Contest 2017 is now open for submissions. The Spanish furniture manufacturer has been holding its annual competition since 2000, providing a launch pad for designers from all around the world. Australian Franki Chamaki took the first prize in 2005 for his easy chair project (below) and we’d love to see another Australian take out top honours this year. The contest is open to design students and professionals of all ages and submissions close on 24 November 2017. Here’s what you need to do: Design seating or a table – or both if you’re super keen – that integrates all the specifications outlined in Andreu World’s product briefing and resolves the accompanying technical and formal challenges in the terms indicated. Specifications:
  • Seating: The main material used must be beech, oak or walnut. Chairs may be veneered board or plywood, and may be upholstered to a greater or lesser extent, if considered appropriate.
  • Tables: The main material used must be beech, oak or walnut. Tables may be veneered board or plywood.
  • The use of other materials such as metals, plastics, glass, etc., is allowed when complementary, structural or incidental to the above.
  • All designs presented shall be new, not having been marketed or disclosed prior to the date of the contest, and not reflecting previous designs.
Technical and formal challenges:
  • Possible innovative features related to design, quality, technology, production processes, etc. and in general anything that adds value to the presented project.
  • Possible adaptation to Andreu World’s product philosophy.
  • Production costs and/or recovery.
  • Fulfilment of the functions for which it has been designed.
  • All-round simple and viable mass production possibilities.
  • Possible versatility and suitability for development as occasional pieces: chairs can be adapted to stools, easy chairs, sofas, etc., and tables can be adapted to different sizes and heights.
  • Suitability to numerous ambiences and uses, such as in the home, contract work, etc.
Be sure to check the Andreu World website to read the specifications and challenges as fully detailed by Andreu World. Your project submission must include a prototype, technical report and plans, diagrams, sketches, renders or images of your design. And it’s a bonus if you can include a feasibility study that outlines the innovative contributions increasing the product quality of your design. This should relate to production costs, ergonomics and compliance with intended functions. You still have plenty of time to submit, but don’t let the opportunity slip by. All projects must be received at Andreu World before 24 November 2017 with the awards ceremony held in December. First and second prize are €3000 and €1000 respectively and will be awarded by a jury of professionals from a range of creative industries. You can read the rules here and check out the previous winners for inspiration here. Good luck and we’d love to see your submissions and support your ambitions to be one of the next stars of Australian design.