8th L'Argus Design Competition announced

From 1 June 2009, design students will be invited to take part in the eighth annual L'Argus European Design Competition, which this year takes as its theme 'Less is More: Traveling in the Era of Simplicity'. Questioning students on the concepts of mobility and the future of automobile design, this contest - organized by French magazine L'Argus de L'Automobile - will run until 11 December 2009 and culminate in an awards ceremony on 20 January 2010.

The competition is open to students attending design colleges within the European Union and Switzerland, including non-automotive courses covering disciplines such as industrial design, fine arts and architecture. Entrants will be asked to propose simple solutions to the overriding needs of 21st century mobility, focusing on the optimization of the whole chain, from the design of the vehicle to its use by the consumer.

As a direct response to the exponential increase in size, weight and performance experienced by the automobile over the past half century, the students will be required to adhere to the principle of ‘always less' during the design process, minimising the use of materials, functions, equipment, energy and time, while simultaneously reducing pollution and environmental impact.

Each entry must include four plates: a context plate with an explanation of the project and guided commentary, a sketch plate, and two drawing plates that include views of the design from a variety of angles (including the interior) and captions detailing the materials, architecture, ergonomics, dimensions and functions involved. A total of 307 students entered last year's contest, hailing from a wide range of prestigious design schools throughout Europe.

As it did in the fourth and sixth L'Argus competitions, Citroën is to offer an internship within its style department to the winner, who will also receive a €3000 prize. Second place carries a prize of €1500 and the third-placed entrant will walk away with €500, and all shortlisted designs will be exhibited during the awards ceremony on 20 January 2010.

For more information email: concoursdesign@argusauto.com.

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