The environment we live in is undergoing change more than ever before. Even today, tendencies and megatrends are emerging that will grow into major challenges in terms of the way will live, work and organise our homes in the future. What will the environment we live or work in look like tomorrow? What effects, for example, will the growing significance of cities and conurbation centres have? How do different cultures meet their need for comfort and convenience, and what approaches do they take in the search for individuality? Does designing these environments satisfy the demand to feel protected and promote the ability to concentrate while at the same time catering to the global trends in communication and networking? Which concepts provide an answer to ever scarcer resources, for example, by using green materials or through a high level of energy efficiency?

The International Design Award 2011 is looking for furniture concepts and systems as well as interior designs that best meet the requirements of this future.

Entries are invited for three areas from the home and working environment:

- Living rooms & bedrooms
- Kitchens and food preparation areas
- Offices

Students can work on any of these topics and enter their solutions.