In June 2023, an exciting design contest titled "The Quality That Lights Up" was launched in a collaborative effort between Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and iGuzzini, a prominent Italian lighting design company. This initiative was made possible by the instrumental role of IDI (Italian Design Icons), which served as a crucial bridge between the academic and professional realms, fostering innovation and creativity.

Contest Overview

"The Quality That Lights Up" was designed to be a two-phase event, encouraging participants to explore and envision the future of lighting design in a collaborative and interactive environment. The contest kicked off with a Design Charrette phase, where students brainstormed ideas and shared insights about forward-thinking lighting design. This collaborative session was supervised by experienced tutors and guests, providing invaluable guidance to the participants.

In the second phase, Design Materialization, students refined their concepts and developed detailed proposals. These proposals were then presented to a panel of judges, who provided feedback and selected the most promising designs. The entire process not only enhanced the students' design skills but also gave them real-world experience in presenting and defending their ideas.

The Role of IDI/Eastant

The success of this contest was significantly bolstered by IDI, which played a vital role in connecting XJTLU and iGuzzini. As a bridge, IDI facilitated seamless communication and collaboration, ensuring that both parties could effectively share their expertise and resources. This partnership exemplifies IDI's commitment to fostering international design innovation and providing platforms for emerging talents to shine.

Award Ceremony at IDI Shanghai 2023

The culmination of this creative journey was celebrated during IDI Shanghai 2023, held in November. On November 25th, the event provided a vibrant platform for showcasing and competing with emerging design talents. Carlo Diego D'Andrea, Founder and Managing Partner of D’Andrea & Partners Legal Counsel, announced the winners of "The Quality That Lights Up" design competition. In a moment filled with excitement and anticipation, Alessandra Palumbo, Commercial Consul of the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai, presented the awards to the triumphant students from XJTLU.

The three students, who received iconic lighting gifts from iGuzzini, were met with enthusiastic applause and smiles of encouragement from the audience. This memorable moment was a testament to the students' hard work and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.

Continued Collaboration and Future Prospects

The collaboration between XJTLU, iGuzzini, and IDI did not end with the award ceremony. This year, XJTLU students visited iGuzzini's Shanghai office, where they had the opportunity to view samples of iGuzzini's featured lighting designs. This visit further solidified the bond between the university and the company, providing students with deeper insights into professional design practices.

Conclusion

"The Quality That Lights Up" design contest stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when academia and industry come together with the support of bridging organizations like IDI. This successful collaboration has not only provided XJTLU students with invaluable experience and exposure but has also highlighted the innovative spirit of iGuzzini. The contest has paved the way for future initiatives, promising continued growth and inspiration for all involved.

By facilitating this remarkable campaign, IDI has once again proven its pivotal role in the design community, fostering connections that illuminate the path to a brighter, more creative future.