A New Edition of the Odebrecht Braskem Design Challenge is Here

Fifth edition of the project selects Architecture and Design students in São Paulo

Groups of Architecture and Design students from seven São Paulo universities are invited to take part in a challenge: use plastic to create a flooring, floating wall, and lining collection. Besides encouraging innovation, the idea is to publicize the polymer as an increasingly more versatile material present in our daily lives.

The Odebrecht Braskem Design Challenge is an initiative that prompts these future professionals to use their creativity and think about the intelligent use of plastic. In previous editions, the challenge had participants develop urban furniture, indoor furniture, and solutions for public areas. In its fifth edition, the best product collection may be sold on the market by the company Atex, one of the initiative partners. The products will carry the Design Challenge signature.

“We opened up a space for them to demonstrate their creativity and talent, giving them the chance to see their projects implemented,” said Claudia Bocciardi, Institutional Marketing Director at Braskem. “For two months, those selected underwent training ranging from an understanding of the potential use of plastic to mentorships with designers. “It is an exciting experience filled with learning,” she said.

For the university students, the challenge has already begun. Designer Paulo Biacchi – from the Fetiche Design Studio, another initiative partner – has given lectures at São Paulo universities inviting students to form three-person groups and sign up. One team from each institution will be chosen.

After this first round of competition, those selected will receive two months of training at Fetiche, where they will learn the daily routine at a design office. The experience will be the same as in a real studio, from the briefing to the collection launch in the market.

To encourage creativity, this year’s edition will also promote mini-challenges in which all participants compete amongst each other. All phases of the Design Challenge will be presented on the project’s Facebook and Instagram pages.