NEWS RELEASE
29 June 2011

Leading Architect To Judge Design Competition

Award-winning New Zealand architect, Ron Sang will join a panel of local and internationally recognised design experts to judge The Laminex Group’s inaugural Formica Formations Competition.

Internationally renown, Mr Sang has practiced architecture for nearly 50 years. He was elected a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) in 1986 and is director of Sang Architects & Co Ltd, Ron Sang Publications and the Ron Sang Gallery.

The Laminex Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Nicky Duggan, said the organisation was honoured that Ron Sang had agreed to join the judging panel.

“His expertise and passion for design will be a huge asset. We are looking forward to a very exciting competition,” Ms Duggan said.

The Formica Formations Competition was launched earlier this year by The Laminex Group to give professional and emerging architects a forum for showcasing their creativity. A related event was held in the USA by the Formica Group where world-renown architects were invited to design a limited collection of furniture, using Formica laminates and solid surface materials.

Mr Sang said he is excited about the opportunity to be involved with the design Competition.

“The chair designs that came out of the US were marvellous,” he said.

“I’m sure New Zealand has architects and designers who can produce designs to equal and perhaps even surpass the US collection.

“I’ll be looking for innovation, a design which not only looks good but also considers the ergonomic issues and is original - not run of the mill. Designing furniture presents many challenges because there are so many things to take into consideration. I’ll be encouraging friends and colleagues to enter and take the plunge, letting their creativity run free.”

A passionate supporter of the arts and collector of contemporary ceramics, weaving, furniture, sculpture, paintings and prints, Mr Sang has amassed a collection of over 70 modern classic chairs.

“Some of his chairs have been designed by the world’s greatest architects: Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Eames, Bruer, Jacobsen and others.”

In 2001, Mr Sang was awarded the inaugural NZIA Enduring Architecture Award for the Brian Brake house in Titirangi, Auckland. He is an active member of the Auckland Art Gallery Board and a patron of the Friends of The Auckland Art Gallery.

His career has also extended into publishing where he has published books on leading New Zealand artists: Michael Smither, Ralph Hotere, John Drawbridge and Guy Ngan. His book: Len Castle, Potter won the illustrative category of the 2003 Montana Book Awards. In 2011-12 in conjunction with Gill Hanly, he will publish a book on artist Pat Hanly.

Actively involved in the community, Mr Sang is currently co-chairing a committee to build a Chinese Garden for Auckland Super City. His services to art and architecture were recognised in 2000 with his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

He will join leading New Zealand designer David Trubridge in judging the Formica Formations Competition. The Competition is open to professionals working within the design and architecture fields, as well as design students. Entrants must submit design drawings for a piece of sculptural furniture using Formica. Entries close on Sunday 31 July, 2011.

There are two entry categories for the competition: professional architects and designers, and emerging architects and designers. Entries can be submitted by individuals or groups of no more than four members. The two winning design entries will be fabricated at The Laminex Group’s cost and will be showcased at an official awards ceremony to be held later this year.

Interested applicants can enter at www.formicaformations.co.nz
ENDS

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