College Student Jiayi Cui Rocked the 2023 Metropolitan Design Challenge with Her Award-Winning "CHRYSALIS"
Jiayi Cui, a design student at Georgian College, a multi-campus college in central Ontario, claimed first-place in the 2023 Metropolitan Design Challenge. Cui’s winning entry, “Chrysalis,” was selected from four top design challenge submissions displayed at the 2023 Interior Design Show (IDS) in Toronto.
The theme of this year’s IDS, Moving Parts: Design For a Complex World, focused on innovative solutions to the challenges of the last few years, including pandemicinduced changes in human behavior; fluctuating supply chains; and widespread acknowledgement of the climate crisis. All designs submitted in the Metropolitan Design Challenge reflected this theme and also incorporated Kentwood, Metropolitan’s line of premium hardwood floors. A panel of design professionals chose Cui as the designer who best realized her creative vision.
According to Cui, “... the Chrysalis art installation brings people a moment of relaxation in the midst of busyness … and the courage to slow down and feel the beauty that surrounds them.”
Cui was awarded $3,000 from Metropolitan Hardwood Floors Inc. for her creation. The three other finalists — Cali Pitcher of Georgian College; Doris Chen and Jihyuk Kim of Toronto Metropolitan University; and Tu Dinh Quan, Nhu Quan, and Rui Chiao Chang of George Brown College — each received $1,000 for their works. The finalists and the first-place winner were selected from over 20 Ontario design students representing Fanshawe College, George Brown College, Georgian College, Seneca College, and Toronto Metropolitan University.
Doris Chen and Jihyuk Kim’s creation, “Light Realm,” took home the Metropolitan Design Challenge People’s Choice award.
“These student creations are some of the best designs since the Metropolitan Design Challenge began,” said Metropolitan President Dave Sandover. “The execution was flawless, and the designs were unique, thoughtful, and surprising.”
The Interior Design Show is Canada’s premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and avant-garde concepts from North America and beyond. At the show, participants experience design firsthand, uncovering not just what’s new and what’s next, but taking part in the larger conversation around design. Over the last 20 plus years, IDS has become both a catalyst for and an authority on Canadian design.
Interior design is an ever-evolving domain, and yesterday’s designers have become today’s problem solvers and tomorrow’s visionaries. Designers are now faced with a reality that requires not only creativity but ongoing adaptation to explore what’s new and what’s next in the context of our world as it is and as it will be. Today’s talented designers are experiential and transformative, and they are meeting the challenges of the future with compelling concepts, innovative products, and stunning creative insight.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2023 Metropolitan Design Challenge?+
Jiayi Cui, a design student at Georgian College in central Ontario, claimed first place in the 2023 Metropolitan Design Challenge with her entry titled 'Chrysalis.'
What was the theme of the 2023 Interior Design Show in Toronto?+
The theme was 'Moving Parts: Design For a Complex World,' focused on innovative solutions to recent challenges including pandemic-induced changes in human behavior, fluctuating supply chains, and the climate crisis.
What prize did the winner of the Metropolitan Design Challenge receive?+
Jiayi Cui was awarded $3,000 from Metropolitan Hardwood Floors Inc. for her winning 'Chrysalis' creation. The three other finalists each received $1,000.
What hardwood product was required to be incorporated in the Metropolitan Design Challenge entries?+
All submissions had to incorporate Kentwood, Metropolitan's line of premium hardwood floors, while reflecting the show's theme.
Which design won the Metropolitan Design Challenge People's Choice award?+
'Light Realm,' created by Doris Chen and Jihyuk Kim of Toronto Metropolitan University, took home the People's Choice award.
Which schools participated in the 2023 Metropolitan Design Challenge?+
More than 20 Ontario design students participated, representing Fanshawe College, George Brown College, Georgian College, Seneca College, and Toronto Metropolitan University.