The Eberlein Design Student Competition celebrates original design solutions for real-world applications; and recognizes those who demonstrate thoughtful, functional, and innovative designs. Through this challenge, emerging professionals will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to industry leaders. And, the winner will see their concept come to life. 

For the inaugural launch of the Eberlein Design Student Competition, we are honoring John Wind -- designer, artist, and founder of Philadelphia-based John Wind. John's jewelry and accessories have been featured in Vogue, he has shown at London Fashion Week, and his pieces have adorned cultural icons. He is also a celebrated sculptor and mixed-media artist, transforming everyday objects into multi-faceted and thought-provoking collages. (See "About John Wind" for more information about John and his new space.)

The Prize:

The winning design will be the inspiration for a piece fabricated for the space*. The winner will also have the opportunity to meet John Wind and participate in the initial production process with John and the Eberlein team. 

The piece will be featured on the websites of John Wind and Eberlein Design Consultants, as well as related social media outlets. Once the space is completed, a reception will be planned to honor the winner and participants. 

The Challenge:

Design a unique bench or chair for John Wind's new studio/gallery/work space inspired by him, his jewelry, and the space itself. The studio is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2018. Your bench or chair design will be for both visitors and employees, and should possess a welcoming attitude for guests arriving to events. It must be reproducible; be able to be placed in different areas; activate three-dimensional space; and meet the studio's aesthetic and functional needs.

Recommended Overall Dimensions:

Bench: 60"W x 18"D x 19"H   (Bench may have a back)    

OR       

Chair: 30"W x 30"D x 30"H

Submission Requirements:

Students may design and submit only one piece.

Design Statement:

This statement should communicate the design intent and inspiration. Explain how John Wind, his work, and his building influenced your design. The Design Statement should be 500 words maximum, on an 8 1/2 x 11 page, saved as a PDF, and uploaded below. 

Presentation:

Your presentation pages should be formatted as 11 x 17 PDF documents. Please include the following:

First Page:

You first page must include:

• Rendered 3D Electronic Model
• Rendered Front, Side Elevations, Plan
• Project Title and Concept Statement

You are also encouraged to include:

• Rendered Perspective of Model in the Space
• Rendered Detail

The Concept Statement is 1-2 sentences that describe the overall character of and inspiration for your furniture.

Drawings and images on the first page do NOT have to be to scale. For the Perspective, show the piece as you envision it in relation to the interior architecture. The Detail can be of joinery and/or a defining design detail. 

This page must be Full Color and Borderless. DO NOT INCLUDE NAME/SCHOOL ON THIS PAGE.

Second/Third Pages:

The following page(s) must include:

• Plan
• Front Elevation
• Side Elevation
• Detail(s) - joinery and/or defining design aspect

These are considered "working drawings." They must be drafted, scaled, dimensioned, and annotated. Include a Titleblock. Call out specified materials (i.e. type of wood, specific fabric(s), metal, etc.) and other pertintent fabrication notes.

Use third page only if needed.

Application Form:

The form below must be filled out.

Judging Criteria:

Entries will be judged based on evidence of applied research and process; originality and innovation; neatness and accuracy; and the ability of the piece to be reproduced.

Eligibility:

• Entrants must be students currently enrolled in a participating Philadelphia-area college or university.
• Only solo projects will be accepted and only one entry per participant. No team submissions.
• Projects must be electronically submitted by 5:00 PM, April 20, 2018. No late submissions will be accepted.
• The entrant waives all rights to projects, and the winners are at the full discretion of the jury.

About John Wind:

John Wind studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, finding inspiration and material for his soon-to-be-eponymous jewelry business while scouring the famed Portobello Road and Brick Lane. His pieces reflected his love for Victorian beauty and symbolism -- and the prevailing 1980's fashion and club kid style. Instantly, these unconventional pieces caught the eyes of London's trend setters and fashion icons.

Upon returning to his native Philadelphia after school, John started his now 32-year-old business, John Wind. John's aesthetic and jewelry collections possess a common thread: taking vintage finds and combining them so they feel modern and relevant. The pieces are telling and timeless through transition -- evolving from the charm-based Victorian style to his now cool 70's vibe featuring artisan hammered metal.

John's sculptures and works on paper are envisioned using the same approach. As described from an excerpt taken from "America," a 2016 InLiquid exhibit in Philadelphia: he collects "ephemera and objects that make up the everyday experience...his arrangement of objects tell a personal story, but also reflect the wider context of social trends during a particular time and place."

In addition to his websites, www.johnwind.com and www.johnywind.com, see his work in the permanent collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Also, through his private label division, he sells to companies like Anthropologie.

About The Space:

The building, located at 1610 S. 8th Street in Philadelphia, is a cool industrial space that reflects John's aesthetic: balancing the tension between modern and vintage and masculine and feminine. Originally a firehouse, it retains historic industrial windows, painted and exposed brick walls, and reclaimed barn wood floors. The vision for his new place is to marry this vintage character with clean white surfaces and hip, industrial architectural features. The wondrous scale and open plan also provide vantage points from nearly every corner. The space with its clean lines and planes will act as a fitting backdrop to his playful products. This working studio and gallery is additionally designed to host events and gatherings. The first floor will function primarily as a work space for his jewelry business and art; and, the second floor will feature a gallery that pays homage to his late mother Dina Wind's transformative art and metal sculptures. Dina's objective was to "elevate junk into a new aesthetic reality," so it's accurate to say they both greatly influenced each other's work. To see Dina Wind's art, visit www.dinawindart.org.

Visit this page to download the Floor Plans.

and visit this page to download the images. 

About Eberlein Design Consultants, Ltd.

Founded in 1984, Eberlein Design Consultants, Ltd. (EDC) is an award-winning interior design firm located in Philadelphia's celebrated Rittenhouse Square. Its reputation for elegant and unique spaces is based on the firm's ability to create defining experiences that reflect the personality and passions of every client. Whether it be designing residential interiors, restoring prominent landmarks, or creating inspiring business environments, the mission is clear: to create interiors that are enriching and enduring.

With a formal background in the classics, history, and art, Barbara Eberlein, president and creative director, generously shares her enduring passion for all design styles. As a sought-after lecturer, she has built a national reputation for her expertise in the restoration of significant historic structures of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries -- and is equally respected for her scholarly mastery and boundless enthusiasm for the field. Barbara approaches the creation of interiors with the knowledge that, one day, these too will become part of the fabric of history. To learn more about the firm and to gather inspiration, visit www.eberlein.com.

If you have any questions regarding the competition or its requirements please contact Cheri Privor, cheri@eberlein.com