Roca, the renowned Spanish design, production, and commercialization company specialising in bathroom products, kicked off the with their fourth annual One Day Design Challenge on 1 December. Using their position as global leaders of bathroom spaces, Roca’s challenge aims to create a friendly competition among students to be innovative all within seven hours. Over 120 architecture and design students partook in the signature challenge, with the aspiration of showing off their design skills.

The challenge presented to participants was to create a new bathroom product to store wet towels. With only seven hours to bring their idea to fruition, students were directed to keep the importance of hygiene and comfort in mind. The products created were doubly meant to reduce the growth of bacteria and microorganisms – common afflictions known to grow within the small, dark, and damp bathroom spaces.

Judging criteria covered five areas: creativity, originality, viability, legibility, and graphic design of the project presentation. The top three winners received cash rewards of HK$1,200, HK$8,000, and HK$4,000. The first runner-up students hailed from Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, their submission was highlighted for its interesting design, and it’s simple and thoughtful presentation. 

First prize went to three innovative students from the University of Hong Kong. Their final design was not only a sterilized towel hanger but also a simplistic lighting fixture.  Creative Director of Lomatters and Vice Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre commented: “It is practical, adaptable, very well presented and aesthetically pleasuring.”

The Roca One Day Design Challenge’s intention of organizing a space to foster support for young talents within Hong Kong was an overall success, we can’t wait to see what these young people’s design future hold for them… and our bathrooms.