When design starts saving lives - and looking good while doing it!  

I'm not sure how many of you addicts have heard about this show, so I thought I would bring your attention to it.

INDEX: is a global non-profit network organization that focuses on Design to Improve Life ? e.g. design that substantially improves important aspects of human life ? worldwide.

They have a huge contest each year with five categories: Body, Home, Work, Play and Community. In these days all the top nominees for 2007 are being presented in giant glass orbs in the center of Copenhagen. The winner of each category will be awarded 100.000 Euro.

Please take your time to look around and read about the great, sometimes life-saving ideas. Here's everything from biodegradable cleaning products by Karim Rashid, a foldable paper refugee shelter, Second Life, electric sports cars and a waterless washing machine. And not forgetting Komplot's wonderful eco-friendly chair, Imprint, and their air transmitting, sound absorbing Gubi II furniture collection.

These ideas all really fill me with hope - it's certainly something else than the usual, solely esthetically pleasing design.

I almost feel guilty for all the pretty and soulless things I've designed so far 🙂

http://www.indexaward.dk/2007/forside.asp