First call for student design competition

Open category brief

For the first time, it has opened the traditionally student-orientated competition to industry professionals who may enter the new open category. The brief calls for the design of tables and book cases for the Joburg Art Fair. The winning designs will be built from company's material and entries will be judged by Ross Douglas (Artlogic) and Adriaan Hugo (Dokter and Misses). The closing date for entries is Friday 12 August 2011.

Student winner designs new competition

The 2011 student brief, devised by the company, in association with Stoned Cherrie's Nkhensani Nkosi and Callie van der Merwe of the Design Partnership, emphasises the company's sense of community. Jason Wells, marketing manager of PG Bison says, "Van der Merwe has a close alignment with the competition, as he and business partner Francois van der Merwe won the first competition in 1992."

Student brief

Nkosi has been tasked with devising new designs for her Love Movement range of Afro chic products, currently housed within 50 Foschini stores nationwide. Foschini has purchased an existing building in the Woodstock area of Cape Town to house her design studio and workshop for her Love Movement fashion range, as well as provide display and retail space for her new designs.

Although space is at a premium, Foschini are of the opinion that an additional revenue generator should be considered in order to assist in carrying the operating costs of the building. While Nkosi has defined clear guidelines as to her requirements for the design studio and fashion retail space, the proposed additional income generator is, as yet, undefined. The only firm guideline is that, whatever the extra source of income, it must be branded 'Enjoy Responsibly'.

Community participation

For both Nkosi and PG Bison engaging with the local community is paramount. Consequently the design of the building must encourage and entice participation with those who live and work in the area. Designs entered should be icons and, in keeping with the home of the 'Love Movement', should induce a positive emotion from the community.

Entrants are encouraged to consider the structural elements of the existing building. Using the building layout and photographs provided, entrants are requested to design the new studio and retail space for the Stoned Cherrie's Love Movement team.

Go to www.1sixoneeight.co.za for details on entry and prizes.