Light identifies the space. Without lighting, we would not appreciate the aesthetic value of the interior, we would not see meticulously refined details of designer furniture, or precisely selected colours on the walls.
Out of all five senses, sight provides as much as 80% of information. This is so much, that it is worth taking a closer look at the role of light in architecture.
Take part in the Light up! With AQForm Contest and present us your idea for a well-lit space!
Take part in the Contest!
Introduction
Imagine a space without light. Completely bathed in darkness. What do you see? What do you hear? What are your emotions?
For us, an interior without light is a slightly disturbing blackness. Mysterious, allowing you to easily lose your sense of orientation and security, even making you shiver on your back. Light tames the space and lighting is the background of our everyday life. It shows the way, emphasizes details and stimulates action. Properly selected, it results in sensations that allow you to discover a completely new face of the arrangement.
What role does light play in contemporary interior design? Are we able to predict how the lighting will affect our living space in the future? What will the interiors look like and what changes will there be in the design approach? Light up! With AQForm is a Contest combining the future with the present, which puts contemporary designs on one scale and bold visions of lighting tomorrow on the other.
DOWNLOAD BRIEFCategories
We believe that experience, well-established knowledge, creativity, courage and a fresh look are important in designing. Therefore, to participate in the Light up! With AQForm Contest, we encourage both experienced architects and students who are just entering the inspiring world of interiors.
Explore the Contest categories!
1.0
Light up the space!
Category dedicated to practicing architects for projects implemented in Poland or abroad, after 01/01/2018. The condition for participation is sending photos of the designed and implemented private or commercial space illuminated with AQForm luminaires. Select the appropriate subcategory and show us your project!
Subcategory for private spaces (flats, houses, apartments, etc.)
Subcategory for public spaces (offices, HoReCa, public utility spaces, etc.)
- min. 3 photos of the project completed after 01/01/2018. Files with a resolution of 300 dpi, weight of a single file up to 5MB, minimum dimension of the short side 2000 pixels, accepted format: JPG. Maximum number of photos for one application: 10
- a board presenting a project with dimensions of 100x70cm in JPG format, maximum file weight 5MB
- name of the category to which the project belongs
- description of the project with a maximum length of 800 characters including spaces
- a list of used AQForm luminaires containing the product name and the first 5 digits of the catalogue code – the list template is available in the files for download
2.0
Light up creativity!
A category dedicated to practicing architects and designers for conceptual projects. The condition for participation is to send a visualization of the designed private or commercial space illuminated with AQForm luminaires. Select the appropriate subcategory and show us your project!
Subcategory for private spaces (flats, houses, apartments, etc.)
Subcategory for public spaces (offices, HoReCa, public utility spaces, etc.)
- min. 3 visualizations with a resolution of 300 dpi. Weight of a single file up to 5MB, minimum dimension of the shorter side 2000 pixels, accepted format: JPG. Maximum number of visualizations per one submission: 10
- a board presenting a project with dimensions of 100x70cm in JPG format, maximum file weight 5MB
- name of the category to which the project belongs
- description of the project with a maximum length of 800 characters including spaces
- a list of used AQForm luminaires containing the product name and the first 5 digits of the catalog code – the list template is available in the files for download
3.0
Light up the future!
A category dedicated to students of architecture, design and art universities for a conceptual project of lighting the future. The condition for participation is to send a visualization presenting the lighting concept for 2050.
- min. 1 visualization or other visual way of presenting the concept. The application must contain min. 1 file with a resolution of 300 dpi. Weight of a single file up to 5MB, minimum dimension of the shorter side 2000 pixels, accepted format: JPG. Maximum number of transferred files: 10
- a board presenting a project with dimensions of 100x70cm in JPG format, maximum file weight 5MB
- name of the category to which the project belongs
- description of the project with a maximum length of 800 characters including spaces
Prizes
1.0
Light up the space!
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FIRST PLACE3 500 PLN
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Light Magic workshops worth 3500 PLN -
SECOND PLACE2 500 PLN
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THIRD PLACE1 500 PLN
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HONORABLE MENTIONPrize set:
books and gadgets from MOCAK
Nineteen desk luminaire
XL AQForm bag
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FIRST PLACE3 500 PLN
+
Light Magic workshops worth 3500 PLN -
SECOND PLACE2 500 PLN
-
THIRD PLACE1 500 PLN
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HONORABLE MENTIONPrize set:
books and gadgets from MOCAK
Nineteen desk luminaire
XL AQForm bag
2.0
Light up creativity!
-
FIRST PLACE3 500 PLN
+
Light Magic workshops worth 3500 PLN -
SECOND PLACE2 500 PLN
-
THIRD PLACE1 500 PLN
-
HONORABLE MENTIONPrize set:
books and gadgets from MOCAK
Nineteen desk luminaire
XL AQForm bag
-
FIRST PLACE3 500 PLN
+
Light Magic workshops worth 3500 PLN -
SECOND PLACE2 500 PLN
-
THIRD PLACE1 500 PLN
-
HONORABLE MENTIONPrize set:
books and gadgets from MOCAK
Nineteen desk luminaire
XL AQForm bag
3.0
Light up the future!
-
FIRST PLACE1 500 PLN
Light Magic workshops worth 3500 PLN
a gift set from MOCAK -
SECOND PLACE1 000 PLN
Light Magic workshops worth 3500 PLN
a gift set from MOCAK -
THIRD PLACE500 PLN
Light Magic workshops worth 3500 PLN
a gift set from MOCAK -
HONORABLE MENTIONPrize set:
books and gadgets from MOCAK
Nineteen desk luminaire
XL AQForm bag
Special prizes
Publication of one project selected by the Editorial Office in the Dobre Wnętrze.
Publication of three projects selected by the Editorial Office on the PLN Design website – inspiring about design, interiors and architecture.
Publication of three projects selected by the Editorial Office on the whiteMAD website.
Timetable
AWARD CEREMONY
Due to the dynamic situation, the form of the award ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Jury
Head of the Department of Interior Design at the University of Arts in Poznań. She combines her professional career as an interior designer with academic work.
University of Arts in Poznań
Architect, associate professor, dean at the Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts, KA im. Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski. Partner and CEO at Ingarden & Ewý Architekci.
Ingarden & Ewý architectural office
Marketing Manager at AQForm, Chairwoman of the Contest Jury. She has led international award winning projects, incl. iF Design Award.
AQForm
Key Account Manager Export at AQForm. Associated with the lighting industry for over 10 years, he works with clients in the European Union.
AQForm
Editor-in-chief of the whiteMAD magazine and whitemad.pl. Passionate about modernist architecture and timeless design.
whiteMAD
President of the Association of Polish Architects (SARP) in the 2019–2023 term, academic lecturer, owner of Biś Computers.
Association of Polish Architects
Polish architectural office established in 1988. Authors of award-winning projects. JEMS projects are created as a result of analyzes of human needs, social, cultural and historical contexts.
Art historian. Editor-in-chief of the magazines “Dobre Wnętrze”, “M jak Mieszkanie” and the website uwadzamy.pl.
Dobre Wnętrze
Lighting designer in architecture and theater. Lecturer at Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London
Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
About AQForm
Meet the Contest Organizer: AQForm – Polish modern lighting solutions manufacturer.
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We are an award-winning Polish producer of modern lighting solutions.
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Our distinguishing feature is luminaires that look good and shine just as well. Contrary to appearances, these features do not always go hand in hand.
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Do you need comprehensive lighting? No problem. Our portfolio includes both refined lighting for private interiors and specialized solutions for commercial spaces.
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The safety and compliance of products with standards and descriptions are tested by our team of experts operating in the AQForm Research and Development Center near Krakow, which covers nearly 3,600 square meters.
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AQForm’s offer does not end with the catalogue – our own production line, extensive machinery park and access to our own laboratories allow us to personalize the lighting. That is why our offer does not lack a variety of system solutions that can be tailored to the needs of a specific project.
Inspirations
private apartment, Opole | design: FABRYK-ART Agata Chomiak, Maciej Ferenc | photo: Małgorzata Tenczyńska-Korluk
POP IN restaurant, Gdańsk | design: Sikora Wnętrza | photo: TOM KUREK
Zielona Góra | design: Gołaska Studio
Zielona Góra | design: Gołaska Studio
apartment in Sztauwajery, Katowice | design: Grzegorz Layer Architekt
doctors offices, Poznań | design: inDe projekt | photo: Bartek Bieliński fotografia
LOFFT ARCHITEKTURA office | design: Małgorzata Hendrych-Lubińska LOFFT ARCHITEKTURA
private apartment 170m², Warszawa | design: Lys Studio | photo: Pion Studio
private apartment 170m², Warszawa | design: Lys Studio | photo: Pion Studio
FORGE – PUMP FACTORY, Leszno | design: Jan Sikora | photo: TOM KUREK
FORGE – PUMP FACTORY, Leszno | design: Jan Sikora | photo: TOM KUREK
Seafood Station restaurant, Sopot | design: Sikora Wnętrza | photo: Tom Kurek
Neo art deco cafe, Londyn | design: żurawicki.design Jakub Żurawicki Joanna Kubiak
Kąty Port – Shell gas station, Kąty Wrocławskie | design: Studio Pożoga – Grzesik
house, near Poznań | design: Monika Nowicka | photo: Maciej Miś
private apartment 110m², Kraków | design: PROJEKTYW Paulina Zwolak, Jakub Nieć | photo: Maja Bułkowska
Paczała Clinic, Zielona Góra | design: Jan Augustynowicz
Paczała Clinic, Zielona Góra | design: Jan Augustynowicz
Paczała Clinic, Zielona Góra | design: Jan Augustynowicz
Downloadable materials
Submit the project
Partners
PLNDesign.pl is a modern online magazine devoted to design, interiors and architecture. They were one of the first to start promoting Polish design via a series of articles dedicated to Polish brands.
WhiteMAD is a print and online magazine dedicated to fashion, architecture and design. You can read there about people related to these areas, interesting buildings and unique places.
MOCAK Bookstore is an art bookstore operating at the MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow. Here you can find publications in the field of photography, design, fashion, film, music, architecture and new media.
Architektura & Biznes is a magazine devoted to architecture, published since 1992. It covers topics related to architecture and urban planning, but also interior design, industrial design, art and photography.
InfoArchitekta.pl is a dynamically developing information center in the field of architecture and design. An ideal place for architects and interior designers to visit, due to the constantly developed database of CAD / BIM files.
Foorni.pl is a modern, constantly updated internet platform, containing thousands of products and interior designs. It is an ideal tool for creative people looking for knowledge and inspiration.
MAGAZIF is an internet portal about design, interiors and architecture. It presents unique home and utility interiors, beautiful and exclusive furniture, accessories and interior decorations as well as architectural designs.
A website for people who want to live nicely and comfortably. Practical advice on renovation, furnishing and maintenance of an apartment, house, garden. Inspirational interior galleries in all styles.
Homebook.pl is a platform that tells you how to create your dream home step by step. At one address you can find the offer of shops and interior design brands, inspire and consult the vision with the designer.
A luxurious magazine presenting unique houses, apartments and flats in Poland and around the world. It presents the most important trends in design and talks with outstanding designers.
The Association of Polish Architects was founded in 1934. It is a nationwide association of architects whose aim is, among others, care for the quality of architecture and the environment – built and natural.
Interior Architecture is a major with the longest tradition at UAP – it is 90 years old. The aim of the studies is the development of students in the field of specialist education as well as general practical and theoretical issues.
The Academic Design Center is an organization that brings together faculties leading the design courses at eight public art academies.
FAQ
Yes, you can submit up to 2 projects per category.
Yes, if the Participant meets the criteria, he may submit a maximum of two entries to the Contest from one e-mail address in each of the subcategories.
Polish citizenship is not necessary, but the condition for participation by foreigners is having a Polish residence address.
No, a condition for participation in the Light up the future! category is to have the status of a student and study in the field of art or other related to design and to have a Polish address of residence.
Yes, the Contest is open to Project Teams consisting of persons meeting the general criteria for participation in the Contest specified for individuals, i.e. adult natural persons with full legal capacity and place of residence in Poland. Employees, associates, representatives of the Organizer and persons involved in the organization of the Contest, as well as their closest relatives, are excluded from participation in the Contest. The Team is considered to be a single Participant and the Team appoints a person who represents it in the Contest – the Team Representative.
The Project Team may consist of a maximum of four Members. A Team Representative is counted as a Member.
All inquiries related to the organization of the Contest should be sent to the following e-mail address: konkurs@aqform.com
The entry to the Contest is free of charge.
Yes, if the place of residence is in Poland at the time of receiving the award and it is possible to indicate the Polish address of delivery of the award.
Information about the composition of the Jury is available on the website light-up.aqform.com in the JURY tab.
Successfully completed registration will be confirmed by e-mail sent to the e-mail address provided. In the case of a Team, the confirmation will only be sent to the Team Representative’s e-mail address. If your application is not confirmed within more than 72 hours, please contact us at konkurs@aqform.com. In exceptional circumstances, the notification confirmation time may be extended.
Base prizes will be selected in two stages.
First stage: at this stage, the Organizer will select 60% of all submitted works to be presented to the Contest Jury.
Second stage: selection of the Winners by the Contest Jury.
The selection of the Special Awards will be made by the Contest Partner from among all submitted projects.
The selection of the Honorable Mentions will be made by the Contest Organizer.
Choice of base prizes.
First stage: at this stage, the Organizer will select 60% of all submitted works to be presented to the Contest Jury. When choosing, the Organizer is guided by his discretion, taking into account in particular: the correctness of the lighting solutions used, creativity, innovation, functionality and aesthetics of the project.
Second stage: selection of the Winners by the Contest Jury.
When evaluating the application, the Contest Jury follows its discretion. The applications will be individually assessed by the members of the Jury according to the following criteria:
Interpretation and compliance with the Contest topic: 15%
Correctness of the lighting solutions used: 20%
Innovation and creativity of the developed project: 35%
Report aesthetics: 20%
Overall impression: 10%
The selection of the Special Prizes will be made by the Contest Partner from among all submitted projects. When selecting the Contest Partner, he is guided by his discretion, taking into account in particular: creativity, innovation, functionality and aesthetics of the project.
The selection of the Honorable Mentions will be made by the Contest Organizer. When choosing, the Organizer is guided by his discretion, taking into account in particular: the correctness of the lighting solutions used, creativity, innovation, functionality and aesthetics of the project.
The Contest is organized by AQForm – a Polish producer of modern lighting solutions.
The content of the application depends on the category. A detailed list of the required elements of the application can be found in the Statute, the brief and on the website for each category.
The list of AQForm luminaires used should contain the product name and the first 5 digits of the catalogue code. The product list template can be downloaded from light-up.aqform.com in the DOWNLOADS tab.
Yes, if you have the appropriate permissions to dispose of the photos. If the author of the photo is a person other than the Participant, the Participant declares that he is entitled to unlimited property copyrights to the submitted photos, enabling the Organizer to license the use of the photos in accordance with the provisions of the Contest Statute.
Categories Light up the space! and Light up creativity! are dedicated to practicing architects, and Light up the future! is addressed to students of artistic and design faculties.
In the Light up the space! category the subject of the application are completed projects.
In the Light up creativity! category the subject of the application are concept designs.
In the Light up the future! category the subject of the application is the presentation of the concept of light for 2050. The Contest application should be a creative interpretation of possible directions of lighting development in the future.
If there is no website of the studio in the website field, you can provide a link to an online portfolio, e.g. on Behance or Dribble, or a link to a social media account where your own work is presented. In the absence of any of the forms of online presentation of creativity, the field “WEBSITE” should be filled with NONE.
Each project must contain at least one AQForm luminaire.
Do you have any other question? Send it to konkurs@aqform.com with in the subject line: Light up! Question. The deadline for asking additional questions is: 16/12/2021.