Circular economy and design, the Particle Social Furniture call for proposals is open
RUFA, as the academic partner, is ready to support the challenge launched by Particle aimed at promoting, in the vision of its founder Bruno Bolfo, art and culture by bringing them closer to the general public, avoiding the elitist and detached approach that is often the opposite of what art itself wants to communicate.
In this context Particle has decided to propose the Social Furniture contest: a “design competition” focusing on the themes of sustainability, “social” design and the circular economy. The competition asks participants to develop new ideas for rethinking how plastic waste can be reshaped using circular design thinking, emphasising it and exploring a new social balance by involving communities.
Candidates can apply until 15 November on the Particle website in the Social Furniture section. Projects must then be uploaded online by 5 December, along with a short biography of the designer. All submitted experiences will be included on the Particle Sustainability digital platform..
Current students and graduates from the previous two years are eligible to participate. You can apply individually or in groups, including members from different cities and universities. The application is open to all, but particularly aimed at design institutes and universities based in Italy or Malaysia. This choice is motivated by the long-term collaboration with the Italian Embassy in the Asian country.
Participating will provide an opportunity to experience a well-rounded approach to design, with the chance to take part in the strategy table with partners and sponsors, to help reshape the entire industry’s approach to sustainability issues.
The competition has a total prize fund of €6,500. A prize of €3,000 will be awarded to the first place winner, while €1,000 will go to the authors of the selected finalist projects. The three finalist projects, selected by the jury on the basis of their feasibility, attractiveness and marketability, will be announced on 15 December 2021. The jury is composed of: Francesca Lanzavecchia, founder and creative director of Lanzavecchia + Wai; Hunn Wai, founder and creative director of Lanzavecchia + Wai; Bruno Bolfo: founder of Particle, art collector and entrepreneur; Zafri Merican, vice president of PEREKA, the Malaysian Association of Industrial Designers; Maria Cristina Didero, curator and independent journalist.
Particle also invites students and lecturers to tell their opinions on design and sustainability issues by recording a vertical video, no time limit, no editing required.
Some suggestions by Particle for your video in this document.
