Buick and BASF sponsored design competition

Buick has teamed up with the chemical giant BASF to sponsor a design competition for students at Detroit’s College of Creative Studies. The students were asked to come up with their take on what the buick of 2030 will look like. Seventeen soon-to-be car designers took part in the contest, creating 3D models and elaborate sketches. The results were then judged by a panel of Buick designers and also coatings and materials experts from BASF.

The winner was Namsuk Lee from Seoul, South Korea. He walked away with over $4,500 in prize money, being awarded the best overall concept and the best interior. Sam Kenny of Greensboro, North Carolina took home $1,500 for the best exterior design. While Justin Salmon from Boca Raton, Florida pocketed the same amount for “most innovative use of materials”.

The panel of judges were impressed with Lee’s lightweight exterior design and interpretation of Buick’s design language, as well as the inviting interior. Kenny’s concept was commended for its clever use of structural design elements to create efficient proportions. And Salmon impressed the BASF judges with his clever material choices including the use of exposed algae in the structure to generate energy.

Other concepts which impressed the judges were the urban coupe designed by JinYoung Yoon, and a youthful concept developed by Soohan Cho.

Throughout the competition the student designers were mentored by employees from both companies, the project also included a visit to develop exterior paint at BASF’s automotive refinish facility in Whitehouse, Ohio.

Buick say the objective of the competition was to give the young designers the same access to future trend research and data used by industry professionals. As well as providing a healthy competition atmosphere to stimulate critical thinking and improve presentational skills.