‘Private space’ competition amidst the bustle of Habitare

The Private Space design competition challenges students to sketch out a place where one can calm down, be quiet, rest and relax.

Last year, the largest interior decoration and design event in Finland was attended by 69,300 eager visitors. Next autumn, the theme of inner calm, ’own space’, will also emerge from within the usual hustle and bustle and conversation buzz throughout Habitare.

Contestants are challenged to design their ’own space’ which will be interesting from an artistic, architectural and design perspective. A panel of experts will judge the designs from several different perspectives including quality, sustainability and clarity.

A competition for architectural and design students

Anyone studying design or architecture in Finland may participate in the competition – as long as they do so by 23 April 2012. Working groups formed by several students may also try out their skills.

These spaces dedicated to relaxing breaks will in due course be evaluated in two stages. After April’s closing date, the panel will select the three best entries which will then progress to the Habitare event in the autumn where a special section will be dedicated to them. Danish designer Boris Berlin who has been invited to act as the senior judge this year, will choose what he believes to be the best of the three entries. His choice will then be awarded the 10,000 euro first prize.

Own Space is already the eleventh design competition organised by the Finnish Fair Corporation and Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. During the last few years, the competition has produced, among other things, designs for WCs, recyclable seats and saunas.

This year the fair will run from 12 to 16 September when the unique Habitare atmosphere can once again be appreciated.