Quebec students take top two prizes in Formica design contest
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Alexandra Clement, a student at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, won grand prize for her "Origami" desk design.

CINCINNATI – Two of the three cash prizes awarded in Formica’s 2020 FORM Student Innovation Competition went to students attending universities in Quebec.

Alexandra Clement, a student at Cégep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, received a $2,000 cash award for her "Origami" desk design. Clement’s grand-prize design is inspired by the ancestral art of Japan. The desk incorporates various shapes and volumes to maximize its possible uses, including multiple built-in storage compartments. The desk features Formica’s Layered Sand, White Birchply and Oiled Olivewood laminates.

Jacob Ethier, a student at Quebec University in Montreal, won second place and received $1,000 for his "Post-Industrial Bookshelf" design. Ethier used laser-cutting technology to create a new type of panel to add texture and color. The bookshelf is designed so objects stored inside can't be seen. It incorporates Formica’s Solar Orange, Grenadine and Clementine laminates.

Jessica Reid, a student at Marywood University in Scranton, Penn., won the $500 third place prize for her "G Table" design. The table uses contrasting Black Crystal Finish, White Washed Birchply and Light Hammer-Copper Antiqued patterns.


Post Industrial Bookshelf by Jacob Ethier uses laser-cut technology.
 
Formica initiated the annual competition three years ago to challenge students enrolled in interior design, architecture and furniture design programs to create furniture using Formica products. A record 150 entries were received from more than 40 universities across North America.
 

Jessica Reid's G Table uses contrasting white and black laminates.
 
The winning designs were chosen by a judging panel that included:
  • Cheryl Durst, executive vice president and CEO of IIDA;
  • Leanne Ford, interior designer and television personality;
  • Tristan Butterfield, regional brand and retail lead at Gensler Chicago;
  • Vern Yip, award-winning HGTV designer and author; and
  • Renee Hytry Derrington, international design lead at Formica Group.

Learn more about the winning student designs, plus honorable mentions.

 

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Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.