The Intrepid Designer

Student Design Competition - EXCITING STUFF!!!

The long running PG Bison competition for architecture and interior design students was first run in 1992. It quickly became a most prestigious competition and has become an integral component of curriculums across the country.

Almost without fail, the winners of the competition have gone on to become successful and well respected in the fields of architecture and interior design.

The PG Bison 1.SixOneEight Competition 2010

Brief conceptualised by @home
“EAT, SLEEP, BATH, COOK AND LIVE”

The Managing Director of @home is to give a presentation to the board of directors of Foschini Limited, revealing the store of the future.
Everything was on track until the new store design was rejected and the services of the current design team responsible were terminated!
Without this concept the new store, due to open soon, will be delayed.

The @home management now urgently require a new concept for how the @home store will look in the next 3 to 5 years.

Can you help?
This new store concept needs to be an exciting evolution of the existing retail environment.
@home is an upmarket brand. It needs to appeal to an upmarket customer – a customer who wants to feel inspired to update their home with the latest trends in homeware.
These mid to high income earners are discerning about their purchases, wanting quality and an environment that excites them. They need to feel engaged and relaxed to shop.
Remember, homeware is not usually considered a ‘necessity’ item but rather a ‘luxury’.
The new store concept must take customers on a journey through the store. From an attractive shopfront to an inviting threshold and once across the threshold, it must entice customers to browse through all areas of the store before finally making a comfortable and memorable purchase and exiting.

COMPETITION BRIEF
@home is positioned as the leader in contemporary homeware – your “store of the future” should reflect this
The store should represent a contemporary environment

The concept needs to hero product above all else

Shopfronts need to announce the brand, attract and excite

Entrance is to be open, inviting and encourage entry to the store

Display windows are required to promote exciting new products

Departmental focal points need to be addressed in order to assist with orientation

Identify and design the required interaction points of your store – i.e. point-of-sale / till points / wrap and bridal registry

Your concept and design are to suit a store premises of:
- 20m wide by 10m deep with a 5m height
- Height is from floor to underside-slab, per drawing provided
- Services to be accommodated within the given height

Provide design solutions for the following:

DISPLAY WINDOWS
HOMEWARE i.e.

• SOFTS (e.g. bathroom textiles, bedroom textiles, cushions, curtains)
• TABLE-TOP & KITCHEN (e.g. all kitchenware, appliances, cutlery, crockery, glassware)
• GIFTING (e.g. vases, candles, picture-frames, decoration)
• ART & MIRRORS
• CLOCKS
• RUGS
• LIGHTING (e.g. table, bedside, pendants and floor standing fittings)
• COFFEE APPLIANCES
• INTERACTIVE AREAS (e.g. point-of-sale, till points, wrap and bridal registry)

Note

No BACK OF HOUSE (e.g. stock room, staff room, offices) to be provided for

PROJECT GUIDELINES
This energetic brand is built on 5 pillars:

• Eat, Sleep, Bath, Cook and Live
• Design to retain the current brand personality and its 5 pillars
• The @home logo is to remain in its current form
• The store concept is to be adaptable to mall and strip mall locations
• Creativity will be rewarded

PROJECT TIPS

• @home stores are not a collection of individual elements, but rather a sum of all the parts
• The store is to be modular in its design resolution, in order to provide flexibility and to keep costs down
• Create a “store of the future” where technology and green sustainable initiatives are embraced and live comfortably side by side
• Allow your concept to embrace the seasons: stores reflect the time of year and product changes accordingly
• Be as bold with the design concept and as creative with PG Bison products as you like

YOUR SUBMISSION
You are to provide the following:

• 3 x A 2 laminated sheets to best convey your concept, to include the following:
• 1 x Plan
• 1 x Section

Any other drawings you may require to best get your ideas across

A short description is to be included on one of the above sheets, to best explain your design solution.

Please include a CD with both high and low resolution JPG files for each submission.
Ensure that the actual design process is visible, well laid out and logically presented.
Entrants must clearly mark their submissions with the following details on the reverse side:

Student’s first name and surname

Name of the institution

Department of Architecture or Department of Interior Design

Lecturer’s name

Contact telephone number of the institution

Contact telephone number of the lecturer

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 13 August 2010

PRIZES
1st Prize*
A trip for the winning student, accompanied by the student’s lecturer, to the:
2011 MILAN FURNITURE FAIR

(Valued at R40 000 per person, it includes return air tickets, accommodation, entry to the show and contribution to daily expenses.)

An @home gift card for homeware & furniture valued at R15 000
Merit Award*
An all-expenses-paid trip to the:

2011 DESIGN INDABA, Cape Town

(Valued at R12 000, it includes return air ticket, accommodation, car hire, entry to the show and contribution to daily expenses.)

An @home gift card for homeware & furniture valued at R8 000

3rd Prize*
A R7 000 cash prize
An @home gift card for homeware & furniture valued at R6 000
The 7 non-winning finalists will each receive an @home gift card for homeware & furniture valued at R3 000

In addition to the above prizes, should @home use any element of any submission in the future design of any store or in any other aspect of the business, the student(s) concerned would each receive @home gift card for homeware & furniture valued at R2 000

No prizes are exchangeable for cash. Terms and Conditions apply.

COMPETITION RULES
This competition is open to all interior design and architectural students studying at a Technology institution or University or other academic educational institute involved in a programme of learning for design and architecture.

Any interior design and architectural student who enters the competition shall declare to their academic institution any relationship, whether direct or indirect and whether this relationship be personal or business related, with and/or to Foschini and/or PG Bison, their shareholders, directors, employees, suppliers, agents and consultants, as well as the family members, life partners, consultants, directors, associates and trading partners of such organisations and persons, that may be seen to prejudice the integrity of the competition, the name and reputation of Foschini and/or PG Bison. In the event of non-disclosure of such a relationship and the subsequent revelation thereof, the entrant shall not be entitled to receive any prize.

Should the law or any authority terminate this competition, no notice of termination shall be required. In such event, all participants waive any rights and acknowledge that they shall have no claim, of any nature whatsoever against Foschini and/or PG Bison, its directors, agents or employees as a result of the termination.

Each institution is permitted to submit their top 3 entries from each department for final judging.

The top ten finalists will be required to present their entry to @home / Foschini Group, PG Bison and the judging panel on the morning of the 7th October 2010. This is an opportunity for the panel to engage with the students to find out more about the design that has been presented and this does not affect the judges’ final decision.

Finalists will be notified in August / September 2010 by a designated party of PG Bison.
Please do not call @home and/or PG Bison to find out about the status of your submission.
The decision of the judges as to the winners is final and there will be no correspondence entered into.

The student’s submission will not be returned to the owner and will become the property of Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Limited and the PG Bison 1.618 Competition and Awards. Foschini Retail Group (Pty) Limited and the PG Bison 1.618 Competition and Awards reserve the right to utilize the entire submission and/or any element thereof.

The student agrees that any confidential material, disclosed to him/her, is confidential and may not be used or disclosed to any third party (whether during the course of and/or after the termination of this Competition) for any reason whatsoever. With regard to @home confidential material and/or information, the student agrees to exercise no lesser security measures and degree of care than those which they would apply to their own confidential information.

Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable for cash or otherwise.

Foschini and PG Bison or their directors, agents or employees shall not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising from the participants’ or winners’ participation in this competition or for any loss or damage, howsoever arising.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you have any queries regarding the PG Bison 1.sixoneeight competition brief for 2010, please email [email protected]

Source: 1sixoneeight

Design Africa, contemporary style with soul!

Abafazi

Abafazi means "the women" in Zulu. Established in 1987 by Ricca Turgel, a product designer, Abafazi combines traditional South African design elements and natural raw materials such as mohair and ostrich feathers to reflect international design trends.

They are committed to creating new job opportunities in rural areas of South Africa with an emphasis on training and empowering women, encouraging and guiding them to adapt their ancient tribal images to modern uses. They export to several countries.

[email protected]

Absolute Furnishings

Absolute Furnishing expertly crafts wood, wrought iron, rattan and cane into a wide array of modern furniture. The pieces are superbly finished and environmentally friendly, produced using only reforested hardwood, non-chemical wood finishing techniques and water-based stains. Absolute also boasts Ghana’s leading upholstery department and has trained more than forty furniture makers.

http://www.absolutefurnishings.net

[email protected]

Africa Silks

Silk and angora throws, mulberry silk cushions and other uniquely textured silk treasures are produced by Africa Silks at its own silk farm in Graskop. Much of the silk used comes from two Mopani worm varieties whose hard, nut-like cocoons must be harvested from trees and softened underground in wet Hessian bags before being spun. This creates employment for women in the mountain regions of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, fostering skills and sustainable practices across South Africa.

http://www.africasilks.com
[email protected]

Gone Rural

Gone Rural embraces the vitality and artistic spirit of women living in rural Swaziland to create innovative, high-end décor products for discerning clients. Inspired by the vision of designer Philippa Thorne, indigenous grass has been transformed into a global sensation. Gone Rural’s range has been featured by leading magazines, such as Elle Decoration, and imparts a fresh elegance to homes and chic boutiques around the world.

The soulful sophistication of Gone Rural’s design is matched only by the social and environmental consciousness of the company, which is an accredited World Fair Trade Organization.

http://www.goneruralswazi.com
[email protected]

Kubu

Kubu designer furniture embodies Africa’s energy, texture and soul.

Kubu is inspired by a desire to celebrate Africa’s natural beauty, showcase its cultural heritage and delight clients with unsurpassed reliability and product quality.

Each Kubu creation is born from indigenous teak and rosewood sourced from environmentally responsible, licensed suppliers. Reinterpreting the sculptural artistry of traditional wood furniture with modern techniques and contemporary aesthetics, Kubu has established itself as a premier supplier to discerning buyers and upmarket lodges.

http://www.kubucrafts.com
[email protected]

zenzulu

Visionary designer Marisa Fick-Jordaan embraces inventive possibility and the skillful artistry of the human hand to breathe life into ideas. Fusing time, traditions, techniques and technologies, Fick-Jordaan created zenzulu and the contemporary design aesthetic renowned as woven telephone wire art and décor.

zenzulu connects traditional Zulu weaving techniques with modern industrial telephone wire, resourcefully repurposing the material for new applications and new forms. This fusion creates innovative, authentic, highly prized contemporary design pieces such as woven vessels, lace platters and the new Nature range. zenzulu offers both a specialty range and custom design creations.

http://www.zenzulu.co.za
[email protected]

Source: Design Africa

Local Design Talent

Reinterpreting their heritage through a fresh lens, these inventive artists are challenging and changing preconceived perspectives of African design.

Using new forms, provocative textures, natural materials and rich colours, designers from Africa are pioneering new frontiers of creative expression. Their bold ideas are defining a captivating new aesthetic that captures the style and soul of contemporary Africa: imaginative, energetic, cosmopolitan, expressive, sensual, proud and principled.

 

Diana Carmichael

Diana Carmichael celebrates the elusive spirit of Africa in her contemporary range of tableware and accessories. The collections, inspired by the forms and textures of Africa’s unique botanical, wildlife and cultural treasures, showcase vibrant creativity and artistic functionality.

Since its debut in 1995, Diana Carmichael Artworks has received accolades from around the world. Featuring lead-free pewter and embracing unique materials such as African rosewood and Swarovski crystals, Diana Carmichael’s sophisticated designs confer an air of refined exclusivity to any table.

http://www.dianacarmichael.co.za

[email protected]

  

Imiso Ceramics

In a dynamic atelier nestled between two oceans at the foot of Table Mountain, award-winning designer Andile Dyalvane, Zizipho Poswa and their team create Imiso Ceramics. Imiso embraces the dual currents of cultural heritage and cosmopolitan energy to invent work of sensual beauty for the contemporary lifestyle. The studio features unique, handmade collectors’ pieces and a new range of functional artware for entertaining.

The authenticity and artistry of Imiso’s designs have earned it a passionate following in international galleries, boutiques and homes.

http://www.imisoceramics.co.za

[email protected]

Ronél Jordaan

Ronél Jordaan is inspired by nature. Her designs eloquently and playfully infuse contemporary interiors with the beauty, simplicity and serenity of the outdoors. Using hand-made natural fibers, mostly 100% merino wool, Ronél lets her imagination run wild in the creation of rock cushions, pebble ‘riverbed’ carpets, intricately accented ‘falling leaves’ wall hangings, floral-patterned throws and more.

Featured in leading international décor publications, boutiques and galleries, the ingenuity of Ronél’s work leaves a smile of appreciation, naturally.

http://www.roneljordaan.com

[email protected]

Source: Design Africa

Saving water, a local innovation by Dam-It

Dammetjies make plants grow

Dammetjies promote strong plant growth by:

• Creating a small dam around the plant so water soaks slowly down to the roots.
• Promoting deep watering to encourage root growth.
• Keeping out grass and ground covers that compete for water.
• Ensuring fertilisers and plant food get to the root system.
• Containing mulch around the plant to slow down evaporation.

Dammetjies save precious water by:

• Ensuring every drop counts so you water less often.
• Preventing run-off to areas where it is not needed.
• Allowing you to judge how much water to give each plant.
• Slowing down evaporation.

Dammetjies are ideal for a wide range of plants:

• Rose bushes that require a lot of water.
• All types of shrubs and flowering plants.
• Saplings, including fruit trees.
• Vegetables such as tomatoes.
• Herbs grow particularly well.

A fully-patented South African horticultural invention

Dammetjies were patented by inventor Geoff Bird who designed the “small dams” to combat the unpredictable rainfall and even semi-drought conditions in Southern Africa.

Thousands of dammetjies have been sold in South Africa since 2004 and they are now being exported to Australia where similar climatic conditions prevail. Inquiries have also been received from England and Europe.

The principle on which they work is very simple: Where there is water there is life.

Dammetjies manage to not only contain the water around the plant, but also keep the soil around the plant moist for longer.

Dammetjies are placed over the plant and then sunk into the ground thereby isolating the moist soil on the inside from the dry soil outside.

As a result of the increase in moisture, plant growth is greatly enhanced and the roots grow deeper, so making plants less susceptible to damage during dry or even drought conditions.

Buy Dammetjies from your nursery or direct from us

Most leading nurseries and lifestyle centres stock Dammetjies. But if you have a problem finding a convenient stockist, you can order direct from us with free delivery to your nearest South African post office.

 

"Dammetjies" now available in the UK and Europe as "DAM-IT" Good news for gardeners is that the Dammetjie has been renamed the DAM-IT and is now available in the United Kingdom and Europe (see Trade Inquiries page for contact details). Inventor Geoff Bird said the water-saving “dammetjie” was a uniquely South African word meaning “little dam”. However it was not likely to be understood in European countries so it had been decided to rename the water saving device as DAM-IT in the UK and Europe. “It is exactly the same product, manufactured in South Africa, which we are exporting to Europe.

The new name DAM-IT is descriptive enough to tell gardeners to save water by damming it up around the roots of their plants, especially if planting on sloping ground. “Not only does it save water, but the DAM-IT allows gardeners to measure exactly how much water they are giving each plant. This is a saving in itself as it prevents over-watering.”

Drought conditions in the UK ENGLAND is currently experiencing its worst drought in 100 years. Two exceptionally dry winters have left ground water supplies at record low levels – with no quick solution in sight. And any decent summer rainfall is likely to have a limited effect as plants and other vegetation will soak it up whilst hot temperatures will result in evaporation.

Hosepipe bans are in place across several regions – meaning the watering of plants has become extremely laborious for gardeners. We believe DAM-IT could play an important role in helping UK gardeners use water wisely. The simple, yet brilliant, design of DAM-IT means water goes straight to where it is needed – the root system. Not a drop is wasted. For ground water levels to return to normal levels, this winter will have to be exceptionally wet. Without this, hosepipe bans and other drought enforcement schemes are likely to remain in place for some considerable time.

We urge you to use your head by using water wisely by using DAM-IT.

Useful links:

Mid-Kent Water - www.midkentwater.co.uk

Thames Water - www.thames-water.com

Waterwise - www.waterwise.org.uk

Source: Dam-It

CHOOSING OFFICE FURNITURE

From a small, home-based start-up to a huge multi-national corporation, the same rules still apply when it comes to modern office furniture: is it comfortable, secure and solid, and will it help keep your office organised?

Comfort, comfort, comfort
They say the success of a shop is based on three things: location, location and location. Office furniture is a similar deal. Most staff sit at their desks for the majority of the day, often under great pressure and stress. The last thing you need is the added worry of not being comfortable because your company wanted for save a thousand rand by buying a cheapo chair! Consider how much you pay Joe in Accounts over the course of the year? If you spend R3000 extra on a good chair, consider the increase in productivity, not to mention the reduction in sick leave due to back pain and other health problems that stem from staff being uncomfortable at work. A chair should be sturdy (especially at the base), able to withstand sudden movements as well as adjustable to accommodate employees of different sizes (for the day when Joe decides to go!).

Find a good office desk
This is where the work happens, so the space needs to be just right. Does it provide sufficient space to spread out and store all the paraphernalia needed for each specific staff member? Does it look professional and appropriate for your company and your industry? For the top brass you can invest further by buying a quality wooden desk (think cherry, walnut, mahogany or oak) with drawers that run on steel ball-bearing slides. Such a desk will last a lifetime and will have a far higher resale value than run-of-the-mill desks.

Space and style
You set down long-term business plans for income and expenditure… so why have you always bought your furniture on a whim based on the latest styles? Trends and fashions change, so be careful about investing in über-fashionable equipment and furniture that will be out of date before the end of the fiscal year. If your business relies on being cutting edge, however, you might need to bite the bullet and keep upgrading with each new season, in which case you’ll probably also look towards hi-tech modern designs rather than traditional woods. Most important is that staff have enough space to do their work, are not crowded on top of each other, and that an open plan office should be split up into areas where people are able to chatter at their desks if their work makes it possible, while staff with phones slapped to their ear all day need their own space (not to mention a hands-free headset!). The look of office furniture can affect the staff mood and morale, so why not splash out on one or two colourful designer chairs for the meeting room or for visitors to sit in.

The price of success
Check your budget carefully – if your creative accountant can swing the figures to allot enough money to new office equipment then don’t think about it, just order it. The best you can afford. It WILL pay for itself 10 times over in terms of productivity. No budget? Feeling the credit crunch? Sadly, hundreds of businesses have gone under in recent times… although that opens up opportunities for you to pick up pre-owned furniture at a snip of the original price.

Source: SA Decor and Design

Local is lekka - Green Grass Design

I literally stumbled upon this site.....love at first site, enjoy! Visit their online store link below...

Munchy Monster...

This hungry little creature is designed to gobble up your magazines and double up as a side table or a kid's room accessory. You can choose from solid white or black perspex or opt for translucent or frosted available in a variety of colours. Munchy monster can hold as many magazines as you can possibly shove into his mouth... but be careful getting them out, he may just bite. 

Love what you see in the mirror...

Mirror mirror on the wall... these mirrors are the fairest of them all. Function truly meets form in the new range of classically designed mirrors. A step up from the 'story' designs, the new range is more stylish with beautifully intricate laser cutting and very delicate hand stitching. Each mirror is an individually and lovingly designed work of art and they even make the blisters and needle pricks on our fingers worth it.
Choose from translucent and frosted perspex frame colours to match the palette of your room.

 

House numbers...

Your home is an expression of your personality and though you put a lot of love and thought into the interior, it's the exterior that will leave the first impression with your guests. So why not make that first impression a personal and lasting one? Contact us to design and create a unique house number from laser cut perspex just for you. No more brass hardware numbers that look the same as everyone else's, with these unique designs you will be the Jones' of your neighbourhood.

Source: Green Grass Design, Parhurst, Johannesburg

Cheeky Tamarillo Ceramics, Cape Town

Right now we're loving Cape Town ceramicist Lorrae Mehmel's chic and cheeky products that form part of her Tamarillo Ceramics range. 

These hand-crafted collectors' items, which include dinner plates, vases, teapots, platters and small canvas paintings, can be put to both decorative and practical use, and make wonderful gifts.

Twenty-two-year-old Lorrae notes that she's "been playing with ceramics for a two years now", but that she only recently started selling her beautiful items. 

The ceramic products are all dish-washer safe, and reasonably priced (e.g. R90 per dinner plate). Stockists include Nap Living in Cape Town, the Dorp Street Gallery in Stellenbosch, and Off the Wall Gallery in Paarl. Her products will also soon be available at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock.

Contact Lorrae via [email protected] if you'd like to place an order.

More information:

www.tamarilloceramics.blogspot.com

Source: Visi

The Fringe Arts «

The Spier Contemporary 2010 is now open, and for the first time, this art biennale is taking place in the Cape Town City Hall, which is looking so spiffy these days!

via skinnylaminx.com

This month: Lighting in production. Next month: Lighting up your home? – Products in the pipeline – Blog – Recreate

Her days of modelling and fitting for a high-end store had long passed,  she was found sad and forgotten buried amongst piles of old stock…this mannequin could soon be spotted lighting up your room and one must ask has her life only just begun?…

via www.recreate.za.net

Grow Project

This is the product of devotion...Sonja, my former design collegue's out reach program, her commitment to community upliftment never ceases to amaze me!

The Grow Project in Langebaan on the West Coast of South Africa is a registered non-profitable organisation (NPO-067-442), BBEE, providing less fortunate people in rural areas with VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES in order to obtain a sustainable future for themselves, their families and together GROW the future of South Africa.

To achieve our objectives we have trained people to manufacture products using local recycled materials. Our products range from hammocks, hand bags, shoes, wine bags, lamp shades, chandeliers, hand rolled beads & jewelry.

The Grow Project is working towards GLOBAL CHANGE by improving the following areas of overall life, poverty, social upliftment by growing hope, creating business opportunities, growing dreams and talents, creating environmental awareness, heritage and knowledge transfer to ALL genders, races, ages and those who are mentally and physically disabled.

Existing Projects under Grow:

Arts & Crafts Centre, Growing Individual Businesses, Mentally & Disabled Challenged, Abused WOMAN & Children, Performing Arts

The Arts & Crafts Centre was founded in 2009 training less fortunate people in designing, manufacturing, marketing, and growing their own businesses.
It has been a GREAT SUCCESS and currently 20 crafters now successfully manage their own businesses in our community.
Further, the Grow Project has been training arts & crafts at the Mentally challenged/disabled schools in our area in order to offer these children career opportunities after leaving school.

www.growproject.co.za