IN order to tap more young creative minds in architecture and interior design in the region, Nippon Paint recently launched the Asia Young Designer Award (Ayda).
“We are relaunching our design program as the Asia Young Designer Award, which places the competition on a higher echelon of gathering young talent across borders and spurring innovative thinking on how to make life healthier, more convenient and eco-efficient through design,” said Michael Chung, general manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines during the launch held in Makati City.
Having started as the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award in 2008 in Malaysia, Chung said the competition has gone a long way, as it has expanded to over 2,500 entries from 12 countries including the Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China, Japan and Hong Kong. In its initial launch, it attracted 87 participants solely from Malaysia.
This year, Ayda will have new entries from Sri Lanka, India and Taiwan. Chung said this year’s edition will focus on the theme “Be Bold. Be Free. Be You.” It seeks out designs that are unconventional, non-conformist, innovative and with a focus on individuality, according to Chung.
In his message, Guillermo Hisancha, president of the United Architects of the Philippines, said Ayda will provide a platform for young talents to contribute to sustainability. Moreover, he said Ayda teaches important values to help people in their lives and allow their talent to showcase not only in the local but also foreign arenas as well.
“Architecture plays a vital role in sustainability. Furthermore, Filipino talent has proven to be an asset in the country to achieve sustainability,” he said.
In his remarks, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers Executive Director for education Vincent Louie Tan noted Ayda can provide designs for sustainable cities. “It will also help the youth promote and share the vision of sustainability,” he said.
On her part, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) director for the national capital region Dr. Leonida Calagui said AYDA can help develop the country through enhancing the educational system. She urged designers to share their designs for the future. “AYDA will also prepare the youth for adult life and encourage them to be more competitive,” she said.
Judges for the interior-design category are interior designers Marchie Costelo, Jose Maria Hubilla, Wilfrid Nicholo Magcase, Belen Morey, Michael Pizarro, Mel Reyes and Tan.
For the architecture category, the judges will be architects Nina Bailon Arce, Consuelo Buencamino, Eduardo Calma, Jose Ramon Carunugan, Chona Elvas-Ponce, Maria Benita Regala and Abelardo Tolentino Jr., president of Aidea.
Atda grand-prize winners will receive a P50,000 cash prize and a six-month internship under design firm Lor Calma and Partners or Aida Inc. Further, they will get a chance to join in a rare training opportunity in Bali, Indonesia organized by Nippon Paint.
Contestant can submit entries in two categories: interior design and architecture.
“At Nippon Paint, we are passionate in encouraging the design leaders of tomorrow to create innovations that address crucial needs well beyond expectations,” Chung said. “It is our fervent hope that Ayda would continue to be an inspiration in strengthening creative minds and help propel leaders of change in the local and international design arena.”