For the last six years, interiors+sources has worked with universities and students to present the I Like Design competition. Rooted in the idea of providing the next generation of designers with the best real-world experiences, I Like Design asks students to create a space, then matches winners with paid internships in the field.
This year, i+s took it a step further, asking entrants to create the annual Materials Pavilion booth at NeoCon, which brings the latest in material science to the A+D community. The booth displays hundreds of samples in what is lovingly called a “petting zoo”—a place where designers can view, play with, and learn more information about the materials that are coming on the market. Design libraries are turning digital, however there is still a distinct necessity for interaction with the materials and products that are going to be specified. The industry is seeing a growing trend of showrooms acting as a space to try-before-you-buy, and the Materials Pavilion brings this same idea to NeoCon attendees.
The response was overwhelmingly positive with students from dozens of universities around the United States creating innovative new spaces. Each entry was superbly laid out, considering everything from the flow of space to the needs of the users.
Due to the generosity of the I Like Design and Materials Pavilion sponsors—Arauco, INSTALL, and Roppe—and i+s’ design partner, Michael Graves Architecture & Design (MGA&D), two student winners will be recognized with unique opportunities. Savanah Colestock, an interior design senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, is the recipient of the $5,000 scholarship. Her work will be on display in booth #7-1000 during NeoCon, and as guest editor of our August issue. The second grand-prize winner, Hannah Viparina, a first-year graduate student at Savannah College of Art and Design, will have a paid internship with MGA&D this summer. To see more on both of these designers, flip to “Designers to Watch” on pages 15 and 16 of this issue.
Looking forward to 2018, i+s is aiming to extend its reach to universities and students, offering a layout of the competition that can be incorporated into fall syllabi. The contest will again revolve around creating a simple, easy-to-assemble, yet dynamic Materials Pavilion “pop-up shop” that offers ease of access to attendees while displaying and storing hundreds of material samples. Students will gain experience in creating a design with budget, space, and time constraints in mind. They will then be able to share their concepts with their peers in the A+D community.
To receive more information regarding our 2018 competition, check out our I Like Design website: interiorsandsources.com/resources/i-like-design
