JANUS et Cie Announces Second Student Design Competition

Following a successful debut in 2022, JANUS et Cie is hosting its second global student design competition to honor rising industry talent. Partnering with design collective RIOS, the competition will be centered around placemaking, with emphasis on how product design fosters community. 

“Every great design begins with an idea, and every idea has the potential to shape the world,” says Carolina Zhang, VP of product design and development. “We are partnering with RIOS to celebrate the creative minds and visionaries from diverse backgrounds who dare to dream and push the boundaries of design.” The competition is open to U.S. and internationally-based junior- and senior-level design students or those in their final two years of a design program. Five finalists will be announced next spring.

For the 2024 event, JANUS et Cie designates Christopher Locke, co-founder of Designing in Color, as competition champion. Through the organization, Locke aims to diversify the way architecture is taught and practiced, with projects informed by the principles of social and spatial justice, and design equity. “RIOS believes in supporting and nurturing young talent, which is why we enthusiastically decided to participate in this competition,” states Sebastian Salvadó. “Throughout this collaboration, alongside design champion Christopher Locke, we aim to empower the next generation, champion diverse points of view, and showcase the profound impact of design on our public realm and daily lives.” 

The grand prize will be awarded during NeoCon in Chicago in June, 2024. Student winners will receive cash prizes and a matching amount will be awarded to their schools’ respective design programs. Competition jury members include: Carolina Zhang, Sebastian Salvadó, creative director and partner at RIOS, and Adam Stover, senior principal at Populous. 

Learn more about the JANUS et Cie student design competition, including submission requirements and deadlines.