April Deley's BubbleWall creates a functional vertical shelving system while adding a sculptural element to the home. Brought to life by A.S.S.T.

C.H. Briggs, one of the largest independently-owned distributors of interior and specialty building products in the U.S., has partnered with Philadelphia University’s Department of Industrial Design Program to challenge 22 talented students to experience DuPont™ Corian® as a multi-dimensional design medium. The resulting “LIFE+” exhibition, on display at Philadelphia’s Center for Architecture from Oct. 7 through Nov. 18, 2010, showcases smart product designs that could be easily integrated into everyday life.

Philadelphia University professors Tod Corlett and Hy Zelkowitz, under the academic direction of department head Götz Unger, encouraged their students to uncover the materiality and beauty of Corian® while creating works that showcase both progressive design and function.

“We developed this curriculum with the incredible end results in view,” said Tod Cortlett, Industrial Design Program professor, Philadelphia University. “However, we could never have predicted the level of imagination that is evident in these student-designed products. We look forward to working with C.H. Briggs in the future to further witness the ingenuity and freedom our students experience designing with Corian®.

Atrio Entryway Bench by Eric Holzer is a wall-mounted reinvention of the antiquated entryway bench with bold graphic style. Brought to life by MacLaren Fabrication.

“The LIFE+ show has been tons of tiring work at times, but the outcome has been the result of an excellent collaboration between academics and professionals,” said LIFE+ designer Eric Holzer, who is now a Philadelphia University graduate. “You get an energized feeling when your months of sketching and mockup development finally come to fruition in a completed physical piece. A supportive team of fabricators allowed everyone to be fully immersed in the construction of the pieces from the beginning, by allowing us to work in their shops and see the design come alive.”

Chef’s Little Helper by Kathryn Forbes is a functional on-the-counter utensil organizer.

The students’ design exploration was supported by a C.H. Briggs-led visit to the DuPont™ Corian® Design Studio Philadelphia. The Harry Allen-designed studio has a gallery-like feel with unconventional, forward-thinking Corian® vignettes that inspired students to take their designs to the next level.

Combined with a firsthand experience learning fabrication techniques with fabrication partners A.S.S.T, John Kramer’s Fabrication Inc., MacLaren Fabrication and McGrory Fabrication, the students came away with a new perspective on the virtually limitless design possibilities of Corian®. “The DuPont™ Corian® Design Studio, as an educative playground, showcases innovation to students and professionals alike,” said Tiana Bragg, Design Studio Consultant, C.H. Briggs. “No matter what academic or professional level, the studio inspires curiosity and awe as our visitors appreciate the formability of Corian®. We are thrilled to support and educate the Philadelphia student design community with this class and exhibition, and we welcome them back to the studio any time they need design inspiration. We also want to thank our loyal and skilled fabricators who were integral to the education of these students.”

The LIFE+ exhibition will be open to the public Oct. 7 through Nov. 18, 2010, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception will be held Thursday, October 7, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Center for Architecture is located at 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Corian® Brella Stand by Adrienne King is an interactive and innovative umbrella stand that gives the user the option for “simultaneous rotation or chaotic operation,” inspired by King’s love for complexity and the non-porous characteristics of Corian®.

Corian® Fence by Seton Spadt is a modular outdoor fencing system that gives the user freedom to customize their patio or lawn with specialized pickets. Brought to life by John Kramer’s Fabrication Inc.

Cascade by Jeff Steel is a fountain that inspires visual curiosity.

Corian®Ware Umote by Trevor Walsh is a surface for arranging nigiri, maki, pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.

Living Bed by Dan Wothers provides its users with the power to charge personal devices while offering solutions to prevent the cluttering of cords. Brought to life by MacLaren Fabrication.