Contest Details
The focus of the competition is the lounge chair or similar casual seating—simple objects to assist the body in repose. Commercial office chairs and other specialized functions are not appropriate, but otherwise you have as much latitude as you can explain and illustrate in a convincing way.
Successful entries will be clear, compelling ideas that expand on accepted sustainable practice by demonstrating an innovative use of new or conventional materials, traditional or emerging techniques. Particular attention will be paid to innovative ideas for materials, comfort, fabrication, and shipping (including packaging). Judging will focus on the three principles of One Good Chair
- Make good (Material conservation). How can shape optimize resources in design, fabrication, and shipping? What forms create little waste but lots of taste?
- Feel good (Physical comfort). How can shape aid the body in the act of sitting? How do different people sit? How might they?
- Look good (Emotional resonance). What kinds of images create emotional bond between viewer and product? What is the intersection of sustainability and sensuality?
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Images. A minimum of five (5) and a maximum of eight (8) images. Explanatory diagrams or images are encouraged. Required are: (1) at least one image illustrating a human body in the chair (diagram of a side elevation is preferable); (2) at least one image illustrating proposed fabrication techniques; (3) at least one image showing proposed shipping techniques, if your design were to be made available commercially.
Narrative brief. Max. 200 words total. A clear, concise explanation of the design that intelligently addresses the three key criteria and answers all the relevant questions in the call for entries. Explain the innovation and inspiration behind your idea, particularly how it saves material, saves production, saves shipping and packaging, and enhances comfort, durability, utility, beauty, and delight. You are encouraged to give a unique name to your design.
Entry form. Submission materials should remain anonymous. The images and brief should include no references to the names of individual designers, design firms, schools, or companies. Failure to comply could disqualify you, and we wouldn’t want that! All contact information should be submitted using the standard entry form.
Questions. Submit all questions using the OGC Contact Form
RULES
The competition is open to any designer anywhere, including students, with the following rules and exceptions:
- You must be willing, able, and available to participate in Phase 2 to help guide the fabrication of a prototype, in the event that your design is selected as a finalist.
- Your submission should be an original design never before built or manufactured.
- Commercially available products are prohibited.
PROCESS
Dates and details to be confirmed. More information to be announced soon.
| Phase 1 | Concepts (through August 2010)Phase 1 will consist of digital concepts submitted on line.Judges will select 10–15 semi-finalists to receive recognition and 3–5 finalists to continue to Phase 2. Semi-finalists and finalists announced and displayed at 2010 Las Vegas Market, August 2010 |
| Phase 2 | Finals (through January 2011)The competition will pair finalists with fabricators to have a prototype built.Finalists will travel to the January 2011 Winter Market (expenses covered, within parameters), where the prototypes will be judged in person by a finalist jury to be announced. (Carbon offsets will be purchased to compensate for the impact of travel.) The awards ceremony will take place at the Winter Market, February 2011 (date to be confirmed) |
SCHEDULE
Dates and details subject to change. More information to be announced.
- April 1 Deadline to register at $30
- May 1 Deadline to register at $50
- June 15 Deadline to late register at $70; Final deadline to submit entries, 5pm EDT.
- August 4 Semi-finalists announced at Las Vegas Market
- September 2010 – January 2011 Prototypes are constructed
- January 26, 2011 Winner announced at Winter Market. Prototypes displayed and celebrated, and 2011 competition announced.
Awards
- Cash prizes to be announced.
- Finalists and semi-finalists to be featured in a variety of media.
- Finalists’ designs to be fabricated as built prototypes.
- Finalists to attend the Las Vegas Market events in August and/or January.
- Finalist designs to be considered for possible commercial manufacture.
Items submitted for evaluation in the One Good Chair design competition are the sole responsibility of the owner. World Market Las Vegas and the Sustainable Furnishings Council shall not be liable for loss, theft, or damage to such items, nor shall World Market Center Las Vegas or the Sustainable Furnishings Council bear any obligation to protect the intellectual property rights, if any, an owner may claim in any submitted item.
