In 2009, students led the way in demonstrating the limitless possibilities of LG Surfaces' highly-versatile solid surface products. The competition kicked off last fall at universities across the country, encouraging students to look beyond their curriculum in the classroom and begin to discover the qualities that will define them as design professionals.
In March, each student finalist from participating schools presented their concept to an audience including commercial architects and designers from top firms across the U.S., national media, and representatives from the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), LG, and Sterling Surfaces at a press conference in Atlanta.
Three winners were selected by a panel of industry leading architects, designers, and media to represent LG Surfaces in the global design competition. These three students went on to work with Sterling Surfaces, an award-winning fabrication shop based in the Boston area to have their concepts come to life. Following the intricate fabrication and design, the students had the opportunity to exhibit their final prototype in Milan, Italy at the Zona Tortona Show during Design Week, situated among fellow student designers from all over the world with some of the edgiest, globally imaginative design pieces ranging from lighting fixtures to furniture and more.
Witnessing the creativity and variety of student designs beyond a traditional application, LG Surfaces partnered with Sterling Surfaces once again to create the remaining designs of student finalists in the program in time to debut for Greenbuild. Each design features Eden® Solid Surface, one of the most environmentally conscious acrylic products available.
Designer: Paul Vu from California State Polytechnic University—Pomona
Product Used: Eco Eden Solid Surface Ivy & Lucent Solid Surface Opal by LG Surfaces
Fabrication: Sterling Surfaces
Paul took home both a grand prize and the Journalist Award for “The Jinza Table.” Up lit from its base, the table was not only polished and stunning, but also versatile, suitable for the home as well as retail, hospitality and dining environments. The table was inspired by Architects Herzog & de Meuron, nature and Japanese design philosophy.
“It was great to work with the team at Sterling Surfaces to help me bring my concept to life. They were a great resource to help me realize the potential solid surface has when it comes to fabrication and design.” — Paul Vu
Designer: Soo Kang Lee from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Product Used: Spectrum Solid Surface Lunar Sand by LG Surfaces
Fabrication: Sterling Surfaces
Soo Kang showed off her “Outdoor Chair X” in a stunning Lunar Sand color with a Scarlet Red cushion. Larger than life, this luxurious lounge chair feels like your own private vessel of bliss– but makes lounging look chic. This piece is perfect for use in spa lounges and poolside at the most stylish resorts.
“As a student, having my chair featured in a show like Zona Tortona during Design Week is a dream come true.” — Soo Kang Lee
Designer: Michael Rall from North Carolina State University
Product Used: Spectrum Solid Surface Orange and HI-MACS Solid Surface Arctic White by LG Surfaces
Fabrication: Sterling Surfaces
Michael's concept “Echo” is a modern interpretation of a nightstand that appears to defy gravity by balancing only on one side. The design embodies a contemporary finesse that makes it fit perfectly beside a platform bed in an urban-chic bedroom, loft or hotel.
“Echo's name is in reference to how a sound wave is returned to the sender in an equal but opposite orientation. I would love to continue to develop modern designs for houseware and furniture.” — Michael Rall
