Pininfarina has unveiled its 2024/2025 Global Design Contest, inviting final-year students from select institutions around the world to participate in this prestigious competition. The contest is open to students specializing in mobility design, interaction design, and architecture.
The theme for this year’s contest, “Materiality, the Umami of Mobility,” challenges participants to imagine the future of living and transportation, with a strong focus on the innovative use of materials. Contestants are encouraged to design a holistic mobility experience that not only tackles current challenges—such as environmental sustainability, accessibility, and technological advancements—but also goes beyond, creating designs that cater to human needs and evoke a sense of wonder, much like the umami flavor in cuisine that leaves a lasting impression.
Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer of Pininfarina, elaborated on the contest’s goals: “We aim to inspire young talent to consider the significant role materials play in shaping future mobility. This competition offers a unique platform for students to grow, with opportunities for coaching, recognition, and potentially collaborating with us in the future. We believe new materials are crucial for driving positive change and redefining design aesthetics.”
The contest is free for final-year students over the age of 18 from invited universities, schools, and academies. Participants are tasked with designing mobility solutions for a target user group, looking ten years into the future. Designs can be tailored for various settings, including urban, rural, or inter-city environments, and may involve land, air, or water vehicles, as well as architectural spaces.
The competition will unfold in three stages. Initially, all registered students can submit their designs, from which 20 participants will be shortlisted. These students will receive personalized coaching from Pininfarina and have the opportunity to refine their projects. The final phase will narrow the field to 10 participants, who will again receive coaching before presenting their final designs. Winners will be selected after this stage.
Submissions open on August 30, 2024, and close on September 27, 2024. Details and entry forms can be found on the Pininfarina 2024 Design Contest website. The evaluation process will involve a jury composed of Pininfarina designers, industry experts, and media partners.
Winners will be announced in May 2025 during an award ceremony celebrating Pininfarina’s 95th anniversary. Prizes include internships or fixed-term assignments at Pininfarina offices, and a special “Paolo Pininfarina” award in honor of the former Chairman.
