Student Collaboration Shines at Prestigious New York Design Fair

Why the Wentworth‑Istanbul Collaboration Matters

The recent showcase of the Tofu‑Tilted side table at Boutique Design New York (BDNY) highlights a growing trend in design education: cross‑border, cross‑disciplinary teamwork. When students from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston partnered with peers from Istanbul’s BİLGİ Department of Industrial Design, they produced a piece that blends traditional ceramic craftsmanship with modern industrial production. The project demonstrates how a strong curriculum, hands‑on studio experience, and international partnership can result in a market‑ready design that attracts industry leaders.

What is Boutique Design New York and Why It Matters?

BDNY is one of the world’s most respected furniture fairs, drawing designers, manufacturers, retailers, and influencers who are shaping contemporary living. For students, a presence at BDNY provides exposure to real‑time market feedback, networking opportunities, and a benchmark for quality. The event’s Booth No.1473 became a focal point for the Wentworth‑BİLGİ collaboration, where the Tofu‑Tilted table was positioned alongside established brands.

Project Overview: Tofu‑Tilted

Developed during the ID 302 Furniture Design Studio, the Tofu‑Tilted project was conceived as a “tofu table redesign.” The name references both the tofu‑like texture of the ceramic surface and the table’s functional role. The design merges the organic curves of hand‑made ceramic elements with a precision‑cut wooden frame, enabling a lightweight yet sturdy form. By blending hand‑crafted detail with scalable manufacturing, the team addressed two key industry challenges: maintaining artisanal quality while reducing production cost.

Design Process and Methodology

• Conceptual Research: Students reviewed contemporary capsule furniture trends and conducted user interviews to identify critical use cases for a modern side table.
• Material Exploration: The team experimented with glaze ratios, ceramic firing schedules, and wood veneers to achieve the desired texture and durability.
• Rapid Prototyping: 3D printing and CNC routing were used to iterate the wooden frame before final assembly.
• Co‑Creation Workshops: Regular joint sessions between Boston and Istanbul students ensured design coherence and cross‑cultural insights.

Student Teams and Leadership

Key contributors on the Wentworth side included Corbin Duncan and Jake Larson, who led the design and fabrication phases. From Istanbul, Katerina Gülgün and Buse Adıgüzel helped refine the ceramic elements, while Pelion Özgür managed the cross‑departmental coordination. Supervisors Carlos Villamil (Wentworth) and Yasemin Soylu (BİLGİ) facilitated the integration of academic resources and ensured compliance with safety and production standards.

Industry Feedback and Market Readiness

At BDNY, the table drew praise from both exhibitors and media. Reviewers noted the “smooth marriage of texture and structure” and highlighted its potential for boutique retailers seeking signature pieces. The collaboration’s success showcases how design schools can position their graduates as ready to contribute to production pipelines from day one.

Implications for Design Professionals

Design firms can learn from this partnership about the value of global talent pools. By engaging with students abroad, companies can tap into diverse aesthetic sensibilities and cost‑effective production workflows. Additionally, co‑creation with students provides fresh perspectives that can pre‑emptively resolve user experience challenges.

Lessons for Current and Prospective Students

• Participate in studio projects that emphasize real‑world collaboration—you’ll build a portfolio that demonstrates teamwork as well as technical skill.
• Invest time in material research; understanding the capabilities and constraints of each medium empowers you to propose feasible design solutions.
• Seek out partnerships with international programs or industry—these connections can lead to exposure at major fairs like BDNY.
• Document every step of your process; detailed case studies make your work searchable and compelling to employers.
• Leverage faculty and alumni networks for guidance; their experience can help align a design concept with market expectations.

How to Get Involved with Wentworth’s Design Community

Design students interested in joining the industrial design program can start by visiting the WIT School of Architecture & Design website and reviewing the Industrial Design catalog. The program offers an ID 302 Furniture Design Studio that mirrors the experience that produced the Tofu‑Tilted table.

Students looking for hands‑on exposure also have the opportunity to participate in co‑op placements that place them in real industrial settings, giving them industry‑direct workflow experience.

Next Steps for Aspiring Designers

If you’re ready to design with purpose, apply for the undergraduate industrial design program today. Explore how your projects can translate into market‑ready concepts and participate in future BDNY showcases.

Do you have a design prototype ready for critique? Submit it to Wentworth’s design review board for feedback—this is a proven pathway to professional visibility.

And if you’re curious about how a small table can influence a global design conversation, visit BDNY next week to see the latest innovations directly. Stay connected with Wentworth’s design news to catch future collaborations.