Competition holds its 16th edition challenging competitors to combine innovation with the taste of the new consumer in Brazil. Following the profile of Movelsul Brasil 2012, focused on the new Brazilian middle class, the Salão Design competition modified its categories in relation to Casa Brasil in 2011. The accessory categories were eliminated and the furniture categories expanded, as follows: Bedroom Furniture, Living Room Furniture, Kitchen and Laundry Furniture, Bathroom Furniture in addition to Knocked-down Furniture for the International Market, which is held in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, Apex / Brasil). The judging panel will choose on February 27 and 28 the winning products in the Student, Industry and Professional classes. Additionally, the award winner of the Alternative Woods, which promotes the sustainable management of native forests, and the Professor Advisor for the nominated award-winning students will be selected. Fifty entries from Brazil and twenty-five from other countries were selected for the second phase. For the judge Ivens Fontoura, designer and museographer from Parana who chaired the National Association of Designers and the Latin American Design Association, the expectation of the judging panel is very high regarding the manufacture of the prototypes, since, until now, the judges have only seen electronic projects. He explains that there are clauses in the regulations that eliminate products not faithful to the project entered in the contest. The Industry category was included in Salão Design in 2000 to encourage manufacturers to invest more in product design. However, the entries made by students are still the most praised. According to the member of the panel Tiago Zanotto, a designer from Bento Gonçalves and director of projects at Unt Intelligence Design, the reason for this is that most companies usually enter products designed for the market, while meeting at the same time the requirements of Salão Design. “Manufacturers who create products specifically for the competition usually stand out in this category.” Ivens Fontoura, another member of the panel, adds: “This does not mean that students are better, but because they are not concerned about salable condition, they often do better in Salão Design.” Generally speaking, juror Tiago Zanotto indicates that the entries selected for the second phase show harmonious balance between the raw materials and shapes. The vintage influence and demolition wood waste were found in several items. “In the world of design, everything is connected. You can see common features among cars, furniture and home appliances from the same period of time, for example.” The list of winners will be announced at Salão Design site (www.salaodesign.com.br) on Feb. 29. The award ceremony will be held on March 26, 2012 during Movelsul Brasil.
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