Interior Design students scooped the first, second and third prize in the prestigious Roche Bobois product design competition.
Roche Bobois is a world leader in furniture design and distribution and collaborated with three design schools in South Africa: CPUT, Greenside Design Center and Tshwane University of Technology for the eighth edition of the Roche Bobois Design Awards.
The competition offered an opportunity for students to gain exposure to the professional world and to learn the ins and outs of a product’s design, creation and production.
The students were under the supervision of Senior Lecturer, Colleen Cocotos and were tasked with designing a luminaire.
Valdina Manuel was the first prize winner and earned a R20 000 prize while Cheri-Lee Cloete was placed second and won R15 000.
Cocotos said there were three third-prize winners, one from each institution, and alumnus Johannes Goosen was among them.
The winners also earned the opportunity to have their products prototyped and presented at the international Roche Bobois congresses that select future models to be added to its collection.
They also learn about the communication process to gain international press coverage for their product.
Valdina, who hails from Angola, said she could not believe when she was announced as the winner.
“I wasn’t present at the announcement because it was my sister’s wedding day. I was doing my nails when I was told that I had won and had to turn my camera on. I’m very grateful for everything that I’ve learned.”
Cheri-Lee said participating in the competition was a great experience “which took me out of my comfort zone”.
“’I’m now considering going into furniture design.’
The students thanked Cocotos for her support and helping them to gain industry exposure.
Cocotos said: “It was an honour for our students to design for the Roche Bobois, quality brand. The presentations that they delivered to the group of well-renowned, international, and national judges, were exceptional.”
Written by Ilse Fredericks
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