2010 One Good Chair Theme: "Minimum/Maximum"

February 3, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Green on February 4, 2010

The Sustainable Furnishings Council and Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, in conjunction with the One Good World program, announced on Wednesday a theme of "Minimum/Maximum" for the 2010 One Good Chair competition.

This year's theme challenges designers to create something that's not only sustainable (i.e. using "minimal" material) but also comfortable (i.e., "maximal" delight). €¨ €¨"One of the challenges to the sustainability movement is sacrificing comfort for eco-friendly design," said Susan Inglis, executive director of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. "The One Good Chair design competition aims to put designers to the test and create a chair that expresses the best of both worlds€”smart design and leisurely delight."€¨ €¨The competition, now in its third year, is a part of World Market Center's Brave New World Environmental Leadership Series. Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas and the Sustainable Furnishings Council sponsor the competition.
 
The deadline for entry is May 1,and the fee for entry is $30 ($60 for last minute entries after May 1 but prior to June 15). Early supporters of the 2010 One Good Chair competition include Dwell magazine as a media sponsor along with manufacturers Handy Living and Weyerhaeuser, serving as production partners.
  €¨Inglis said that the goal of this year's "Minimum/Maximum" theme is to demonstrate that smart design can not only minimize consumption, but at the same time maximize comfort. She invited designers to minimize material, production, shipping and assembly while maximizing comfort, utility, durability and beauty in their product. €¨ €¨A distinguished panel of judges will select the 2010 winners and announce them at the Summer 2010 Market in August. Winners will then collaborate with members of Sustainable Furnishings Council to create a prototype, which will be on display at Winter Market 2011. €¨ €¨Above all, practicality is key in 2010. Inglis suggested that designers keep the following in mind: €¨* Make good: Think about material conservation. How can shape optimize resources in design, fabrication, and shipping? What forms create little waste but lots of taste?€¨ * Feel good: Consider physical comfort. How can shape aid the body in the act of sitting? How do different people sit? How might they?€¨* Look good: Strive for emotional resonance. What kinds of images create emotional bond between viewer and product? What is the intersection of sustainability and sensuality?€¨ €¨The competition is an international design program and receiving entries from all over the world. Previous winners came from both amateurs and professionals across Europe, Latin America and North America.€¨ €¨For more information, click here; or visit the Las Vegas Market Web site or the Sustainable Furnishings Council.