Furniture Library Names Student Design Winners

March 9, 2016  by in Designer Weekly   

Kim Wypasek Young, an academic Junior studying interior design at UNC-Greensboro, submitted the winning entry. She named her project Prana Spa.

"Prana is a Hindu word that means life giving force or healing wind, reinforcing the objective of the day spa: enveloping the patient in a healing force,” Young said.

Her design strategies for Prana take advantage of two natural elements: the strata and variable striations of rock formations, and the flowing qualities of wind. Utilizing stone, horizontal elements, and varying ceiling planes, the interior spaces impart a sense of eternal physical strength. The influence of wind in the design of the interior spaces can be seen in the circulation and easing of harsh vertical edges.

Entrants were asked to design a holistic day spa specializing in therapeutic treatment for multiple sclerosis patients. The hypothetical spa is owned and managed by the doctor and physical therapist on staff, which requires living quarters for these staff members. The students were required to design a facility that was sustainable, environmentally friendly and features a healing environment. A logo and name for the spa was also part of this project. There were 40 entries from 14 different colleges.

In addition to the $5,000 award, Young was given a membership in the ASFD and ASID and UNC-G will receive $1,000 to use in academic programs.  

The Bienenstock scholarships are open to any junior, senior or graduate student enrolled in an accredited college design program and have awarded more than $400,000 in scholarship money. 

The second place winner for interior design was Corinne Vassallo of Virginia Tech. Second place winners receive a $1,500 scholarship to be applied to continuing education.

Finalists in the Interior Design competition included: Laura Gwyn Clapp, Randolph Community College; Gabrielle Mariotti, Marymount University; Eric Harris, George Washington University; Abbi Johnson, University of Idaho.  Honorable Mention was awarded to Hunter Van Bramer, University of Idaho.

"Our founder, Sandy Bienenstock, advanced his long-standing desire to invest in the education and future of the furniture industry by establishing the Library itself and by initiating the Bienenstock Scholarships," said Russell Bienenstock, president of the library board.  "The intention of these scholarships is to encourage and inspire the best and most creative minds and help them to develop their talents.  To that end, this is the fourth year we added a scholarship for interior design to our long-standing award in furniture design, creating two substantial national scholarships."

These competitions are a collaborative effort among the ASFD, ASID and the Furniture Library. The ASID sponsors the interior design competition by providing actual projects, and is judged by a jury of design professionals in the home furnishings industry. The library hosts the competition and funds the scholarships.  This is an annual competition and a new contest will be announced in May.