TEXTILES.ORG
Each year, the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) sponsors a Student Design Competition for students enrolled in a post-secondary college or university program studying textiles, apparel, engineering or design. The annual competition offers students a valuable opportunity to build their portfolios and advance their career opportunities—and first-place winners also receive a $6,000+ Prize Pack with their original textile product design.
Eligible projects will leverage textiles for purposes such as shade, fabric structures, landscape or environmental enhancement, safety, and medical or extreme temperature management. Both individual and team entries are acceptable. There are four categories in the 2018 Student Design Challenge:
- Advanced Textiles: Design for aerospace, medical, military, safety and protective purposes or other wearable and nonwearable textile technology applications.
- Awnings and Canopies: Design an awning (fixed or retractable), canopy or tension canopy for a public or commercial space.
- Fabric Graphics: Design a fabric graphic that enhances a public or commercial environment using a functional or industrial application.
- Fabric Structures: Design a fabric structure measuring 38-200 square meters (409-2,153 square feet) that provides a shelter and architectural interest for an area on campus.
This year’s entry deadline is May 15, 2018. First-place winners receive a $1,500 cash prize and a trip valued at $4,600 to IFAI Expo 2018, which takes place in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 15-18. For more information and instructions on how to enter, visit www.ifai.com/student-design-challenge.