Australia is a land of many shades. From golden sandy beaches, lush, verdant tropical rain forests, bucolic, rolling hinterlands, to inner city sanctuaries that offer a slice of nature and respite from the cacophony of busy cities.

While IDEA may have been conceived in 2003 as an award for interior design excellence, we recognise that movements within design are constantly shifting and evolving. 

As awareness about sustainability and the benefits of integrating biophilic design principles into the built environment continues to become the norm rather than the exception, interior design is no longer just about what’s inside a building. It has expanded to meaningfully integrate with many shades of the Australian landscape, meaningfully bringing the outside in — as well as taking the inside out.

Responding to this, Australian Design Review (ADR) is thrilled to announce the introduction of two new categories for IDEA 2024 — Outdoor Design – Residential and Outdoor Design – Commercial/Multi-functional.

We’ve always known that great interior design doesn’t stop at the edge of the building envelope. People want and need the presence of nature and the outdoors in order to feel grounded and at ease as they go about their days.

The Outdoor Design – Residential category honours the design of exterior environments in residential settings and celebrates how these spaces contribute to the well-being and enjoyment of those who dwell within. 

This category welcomes entries from residential projects that feature thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. Applicable projects include those associated with individual dwellings, where the design significantly enhances the residential experience. 

The Outdoor Design – Commercial/Multi-functional category recognises the importance of exterior spaces and outdoor environments for the contribution they make to the physical experience and mental well-being of the people who live, work and play in these dynamic settings.

Entries into this category are open to all commercial/multi-functional projects that feature dedicated outdoor spaces within workplaces, hospitality, recreation, education, hotels, aged care and public amenities. 

The two distinct categories recognise the different design needs and parameters of working within public versus private settings. However, judges will be assessing all outdoor projects along similar parameters of design integration, site-responsiveness and appropriateness, sustainability, and delight and beauty. 

Read the full criteria for Outdoor Design – Residential

Read the full criteria for Outdoor Design – Commercial/Multi-Functional

If you’d like to know more or have specific questions about these two new categories, email us idea@niche.com.au

Lead image The Continental, Sorrento designed by Woods Bagot. Photography credit, Trevor Mein.