Modular carpet company Interface launched a new competition this week inviting architects, designers and students to submit visions for how nature can influence the design of a new or existing space, both within built environments or outside.
Science has proven people are hardwired to love the natural world, also known as "biofillia," Interface says. This love often expresses itself through architecture — from New York’s High Line linear park, built on an historic elevated freight rail line, to the growing popularity of community gardens throughout Sydney, as well as the ecological approach to building design showcased in Singapore's Solaris high-rise project.
Interface says nature-inspired buildings have been shown to increase the productivity of their inhabitants, including increased emotional well-being, learning and environmental protection.
Entrants in the Reconnect Your Space competition must provide a sketch, drawing or rendering of their proposal and supply a short description through the official contest website. One winner will be selected for creaing the most unique, inspiring and purposeful way of reconnecting a space with nature and will be awarded travel and accommodations for four days and three nights to experience firsthand biophilia’s influence in design in one of three locations: Singapore; San Francisco; or Cornwall in the U.K.
Interface says it hopes the competition will foster dialogue, spark ideas and pique global interest in biophilic design for working, playing and living.
“Biophilic design is purpose-driven design that recognizes humanity's strong link with the natural world, which can be utilized for good," said Maria Davlantes, senior vice president and CMO of Interface, Inc. “Our hope is that ‘Reconnect Your Space’ inspires compelling examples of leading-edge biophilic design. We appreciate the global emergence of this exciting area and how the broader design community and communities at large stand to benefit through its development.”
The competition is open through April 1. The winner will be announced on May 6.
Last year Interface re-launched its brand to connect design with beauty and sustainability, and earlier this year the company announced a new initiative to recycle discarded fishing nets into carpet.
@Bart_King is a freelance writer and communications consultant. @mikehower contributed.
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Bart King is the founder and principal at New Growth Communications. He specializes in helping sustainability leaders develop thought leadership content and strategy
Published Feb 7, 2013 7am EST / 4am PST / 12pm GMT / 1pm CET