World Market Center seeks ‘One Good Chair’

Designers are invited to enter the first “One Good Chair” competition presented by the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, Sustainable Furniture Council and Western Interiors & Design magazine.

The program encourages designers to contribute their visions for a new kind of eco-chair that focuses on form. Judges will be looking for lounge or casual seating chair designs that demonstrate a new attitude and conceptual design, and transcend basic green standards by transforming the very nature of the chair.

“Furniture is an important subject, yet I have found very few compelling examples of furniture that optimizes both resources and comfort through design rather than strictly through materials and methods,” said Lance Hosey, a director with the Charlottesville, Va.-based William McDonough + Partners and one of the judges. “A competition seemed to be a great way to solicit ideas and spur interest in the topic. It will be exciting to see the results.”

He said the program’s focus is on how form and image can enhance conservation and comfort.

Competition entrants should consider what kind of shapes can minimize resources while maximizing comfort and enjoyment and how they can integrate ecology and ergonomics.

Hosey said entries will be judged on material conservation, physical comfort and emotional resonance. The competition is open to any designer, architect, student or interested person anywhere.

Cash prizes, intended to be used to create prototypes of the winning chair designs, will be awarded at a reception sponsored by World Market Center and Western Interiors & Design. The ceremony will take place during the summer Las Vegas Market, which begins July 28.

Registration for the competition closes May 16; there is a $50 fee. Entries are due June 9.

For more information or an entry form, visit www.lasvegasmarket.com, www.sustainablefurniture council.com or www.onegood chair.com.