Braskem Design Challenge starts in September

In its sixth edition, the Braskem Design Challenge will offer a completely new proposal to the participants: the development of a multifunctional appliance. The program, which aims to present plastic as a noble, versatile and adaptable material to students of Architecture and Design, will have Esmaltec as a partner. 

The Design Challenge has developed major projects since its first edition in 2013 and has trained more than 90 undergraduates. Until last year, the theme of the program revolved around urban furniture made in plastic, a market niche little explored in Brazil, but quite well-known around the world. Thereby, pieces were developed under the themes: “urban furniture for living spaces”, in 2013 and 2015; “School furniture” in 2014; and “urban furniture for changing spaces” in 2016. Last year, the challenge was to create a wall, floor or modular partition coating. 

Ana Laura Sivieri, manager of Institutional Marketing at Braskem, explains that the program has been growing year after year.“ Just like design, plastic is a great innovation and transformation drive for society. Through the Design Challenge we have been able to train future professionals to work with new raw material possibilities, reinforcing the importance of the correct application and post-consumption of products,” he says.

Registration and selection
Students from the Architecture and Product Design courses of the Fine Arts, FAAP, IED, Mauá Institute, Mackenzie, São Judas, Anhembi Morumbi and USP groups were invited to join the Design Challenge, competing for an opportunity to have the product that will be commercialized by Esmaltec.

The more than 25 registered groups have gone through a first phase of online selection, which evaluates the portfolios, resumes and videos sent. Those approved for the second phase are expected to develop a project based on a briefing to be presented to the judging panel, composed of Paulo Biacchi, Marcos Worms and Gabriela Kuchinski, from Braskem’s Marketing team. Each participating university will be represented by a group of three students.

Dynamic Methodology
Developed in partnership with Fetiche Design, led by Paulo Biacchi and Carolina Armellini, the Challenge methodology consists of a two-month development process as interns at the agency, with a daily guidance by experienced designers Nicole Tomazi and Marcos Worms. In addition, lectures, workshops and technical training will be promoted in manufacturing processes, materials characteristics, entrepreneurship and sustainability, among others.

To make the experience even more dynamic, in addition to the core development, students will participate in surprise mini-courses, which will provide input and inspiration for the final project creation.

“One of our priorities is to provide students with the experience of market development, also fostering a new mindset and new paradigms regarding the use of plastic. The Design Challenge is a great opportunity for students’ careers, because experiences like this are great differentials, which value the curriculum and bring visibility,” explains Paulo Biacchi. 

Stay tuned with in the creative process
The audience will be able to follow the entire creative process of students through the Design Challenge webpage, transmitted in Paulo Biacchi ’s channel, on Youtube. The first episode will be available on October 11 and the sequel will be aired once a week on Thursdays.

About the Design Braskem Challenge
The Design Challenge was created with the aim of presenting plastic to future architects and designers as a versatile and adaptable material, which makes it possible to solve problems and opens the way to new professional opportunities. In its sixth edition, the priority of the program is to provide students with a market development experience, also fostering a new mentality and new paradigms regarding the use of plastic.

Design Challenge in the social networks
http://www.facebook.com/desafiodedesign 
www.instagram.com/desafiodedesign