garden unique: young designer contest follows new regulations

Exclusive, design-oriented and high-quality: In 2011, “garden unique” was created as a distinct product range for the high-end garden furniture segment. Since that time it has experienced positive development. That’s because the demand for presentation opportunities in the premium garden furniture segment continues to be high in 2013. As a result, “garden unique” will for the first time occupy Hall 10.2 of the Cologne exhibition centre at this year’s spoga+gafa, which will take place from 8th to 10th September. Thanks to this move, “garden unique” will now be able to offer more exhibitors the opportunity to display their products in an exclusive atmosphere. The accompanying designer competition has also been a big success, and there are innovations here as well. For the first time, 15 creative young designers will have the chance to win an award and be featured in an exhibition at spoga+gafa. Three winners will be selected by the jury and one will be chosen by the public.

In 2013 the competition will spotlight creative ideas for outdoor living. Everything that makes a “summer living room” more pleasant and more functional can be submitted, ranging from outdoor furniture, accessories and shade products to outdoor lighting, weatherproof flooring, plant holders and grills. A jury of experts will select 15 of the ideas submitted by creative young designers, and these ideas will be presented at spoga+gafa as prototypes in the competition exhibition.

It’s easy to take part in the competition
Beginning on 18th March 2013, design students and young designers who have completed their studies no more than three years ago, are invited to use the online registration form at www.gardenunique.de/youngstar/en to compete for the title of Unique Youngstar in the garden unique design contest. In addition to providing their personal details and a product description, applicants will also be able to upload two pictures of their product.
University professors are likewise encouraged to recommend individual students. In addition, the contest organizers will be scouting trade fairs, graduation ceremonies and other events for innovative products. Participation in the contest is free of charge.

And these are the nominees
Things will really get under way at the beginning of May. That’s when the jury of experts will begin their deliberations – and it’s sure to be a fierce competition. Overall concept, originality of design, conceptional and visionary quality, functionality and quality of presentation are the essential criteria the jury members will use to select their 15 nominees. In addition to receiving an invitation to participate in the Unique Youngstar exhibition at spoga+gafa 2013, the 15 nominees will also be presented on the competition’s homepage. After all, the contestants who don’t completely win over the jury will still have the opportunity to win the coveted prize that is awarded by the public. The winner of this award will be determined through online voting.
The three winners chosen by the jury will receive prize money of €3,000 (first place), €2,000 (second place) and €1,000 (third place). The winners will be announced at the “unique hour” event on the first day of the fair.

The new regulations for the competition make it possible for Koelnmesse to give more young designers the opportunity to present the ideas in an exclusive atmosphere. The goal of the contest is still to encourage people to share their ideas and to promote communication between different target groups within the context of “garden unique”. Along with traders in high-end furniture, architects, interior designers, building owners and furnishers from the facilities sector can find out about the innovations of premium suppliers and the creative ideas of designers in a unique setting.

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Exhibition
unique youngstar competition at spoga+gafa 2013
8 to 10 September 2013

Competition
Closing date: 30 April 2013

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Contact address for enquiries and submissions:
Koelnmesse GmbH
Attn. Mr Rüdiger Sprave
Messeplatz 1
50679 Cologne
Germany

Email: uniqueyoungstar@koelnmesse.de
Phone: +49 (0) 221 821 2336
Fax: +49 (0) 221 821 2866