Eco Design Competition

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

DESIGN YOUR HEARTS OUT!

The interpretation of HOME is relevant to each individual, based on our unique experiences, backgrounds and life situations; however, we do have one common HOME we all share – our Planet.

AT ONCE THE FUTURE HOLDS GREAT PERIL AND GREAT PROMISE.

By 2050, the Earth’s population is expected to reach 9 billion people! This will put pressure on the “comforts of home” we have become accustomed to. We call for new ways in which to design and create products and services that will allow for harmonious developments and continuous growth.  At present we can already observe indicators, symptoms and repercussions of unusual pressure on our natural resources and systems. We stand to experience a critical moment in Earth’s history, facing a fragile future that can be devastating if humanity as a whole doesn’t consider the impact of unsustainable decisions and actions. Collectively we have a powerful role to fullfill especially when we are facing an increasingly interdependent relationship between us and nature.

To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms, we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny.

PURPOSE OF THE ECO DESIGN COMPETITION 2011

Design is first and foremost about solving problems and improving lives. It is our human capacity that enables us to shape our environments in ways that satisfy our needs and give meaning to our lives.

Sustainability is the capacity to endure; the potential for long term maintenance of well being which has environmental, social and economic dimensions. Designers play a responsible and vital role in the progression of sustainable environments and lifestyles for all South Africans and the world. Not only are designers the natural link between consumers and the production value chain, but they are key role players in job creation, adding market competitiveness and environmental development (of natural resources as well as spaces for people to live, work, play and interact in).

The 2011 Eco Design Competition aims to bring HOME the message that sustainability in design is more than just product specific: it encompasses our methodology, mindset, actions, motivations, materials and significance in totality.

CALL FOR ENTRY

Designers are called to submit sustainable and innovative concepts for HOME. All creatives and innovators are invited to design to improve life and make a real difference!

YOUR IDEAS CAN ADDRESS HOME FROM MANY PERSPECTIVES

These ideas can address HOME from a micro and macro perspective, in other words, that of an immediate home environment, a community’s home (city, town, country) or even broader. So although your solutions can be very culture specific, also consider if there is relevance and impact on a global scale.

To enter, designers should submit detailed concept presentations of innovative, sustainable solutions that may span various contemporary design fields from product, communication and surface design (wall, floor or any other surfaces) to systems, services and interactive design as well as large-scale systematic design.

On 16 September 2011 presentations may be submitted in the form of mood/story boards; video or sound clips; graphic depictions or even proposal documents – whichever format is most effective in conveying the details of your design concept.

INITIAL CHECKLIST TOWARDS DELIVERING LIFE IMPROVING AND SUSTAINABLE CONCEPTS

The Eco Design Initiative’s jury members focus on ideas that show outstanding innovation and demonstrate the ability to make a real impact on life quality. Entrants are advised to address the following aspects of sustainability in submission material:

  • Observational skills & methods: motivate level of sensory awareness; profile your target market; identify methodology used for idea generation and final concept
  • Purpose of the design and the need it responds to
  • Taking care of the triple bottom line: People + Planet + Economy = Sustainable Society
  • Projected Social and Environmental impacts
  • Durability:  State the level and motivate if your concept is an effective, long lasting solution rather than a trend; or both
  • Sustainable production process: Energy and Resource efficiency
  • Motivate the selection and use of materials
  • Lifecycle analysis: what happens after the product/service no longer functions as initially intended?

CRITERIA

  • The Eco Design Competition 2011 is ONLY open to South African citizens.
  • Entrants should not be older than 35 years and may enter as individuals or as teams of 2 persons.
  • The designs must be the original work of designers and may not be in production.
  • Only one entry is allowed per designer or design team.
  • Previous winners of the Eco Design Competition will not be selected for the final competition rounds.

EASY STEPS TO ENTER:

  1. Please send an email to info@nokak.com ASAP to register as an entrant. This enables the Eco Design team to keep you informed and up to date with important milestones and developments.
  2. Concept Presentations should be delivered to: Eco Design Initiative, Office 104, The Valland Centre, Recreation Road, Fish Hoek, 7975 by 16 September 2011

A panel of independent judges will select 20 Competition finalists. These finalists will then have the opportunity to build prototypes or concept models and provide additional information about their design as the final entry requirement. The prototypes are expected to be delivered to Cape Town by 1 December 2011.

KEY DATES

16 September 2011                       Final date for Entry Submissions

30 September 2011                       Competition finalists will be notified

1 December 2011                           Finalists’ design prototypes submission

OF ADDITIONAL IMPORTANCE:

- Give your design concept a relevant Title.

- Designer’s name and surname should be clearly marked on all submission elements without interfering with the work itself.

- Entries should include contact details: telephone number and email address. No late or incomplete entries will be considered.

- No registration fees apply.

However, if designers would like entries to be returned after the first selection, postal payment to the value of R100 should be made to Eco Design Initiative followed by an email to info@nokak.com as confirmation.

Bank: Investec / Account # 50005139366/ Branch # 580105 / Reference: Your Name

INCENTIVES

  • All finalist prototypes will be featured in the No Kak! Eco Design Showcase, an exhibition to be staged in South Africa and Sweden.
  • Finalists have the opportunity to participate in the Fresh Talent Workshop: a practical skills and culture share – social design experience hosted in Cape Town (Feb/Mar 2012) with a team of Swedish sustainable design entrepreneurs.
  • 3 Competition winners will be selected to enjoy a Fresh Talent exchange visit to Sweden (June 2012).
  • Additionally, the 3 winners will be awarded prizes to the following value:

1st place: R7000 /            2nd place: R5000 /          3rd place: R3000

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The make-up of the judging panel and the selection criteria are at the discretion of the organizers. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into, nor will the prizes and incentives be exchanged for cash.

COPYRIGHT OF USE

Intellectual property rights will remain with the designer, although the organizers shall retain the nonexclusive right to produce, distribute, publish or display any competition entry material for marketing and educational purposes; including, but not limited to, press material, catalogues, websites and third-party marketing, for example in printed or electronic media.

CONTACT

For further information please contact info@nokak.com