This year, IDEA is proud to introduce a new category available for entry: Institutional.

This category is open to any interior design projects funded by a public body and/or that are dedicated to public care. Projects suitable for inclusion are institutional buildings such as schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, medical centres, aged care facilities, nursing homes and prisons.

With an increased focus on aged-care facilities across Australia to meet baby boomer demand, the new Institutional category can highlight excellence in this typology. Add into the mix the innovations seen in educational facilities, a range of high-calibre entries are expected.

Given the wide variety of typologies this category governs, submissions will be judged on case-by-case criteria in regard to how they have acquitted their stated brief. Considerations include brief, concept, ability to engage and serve the general public, spatial acumen, parameters, decoration, lighting, sustainability, innovation and originality of design outcome.

Submissions to this category must include a separate sustainability statement in order to also be considered for the Sustainability Award. All participating practices will be considered for the Designer of the Year and Overall Winner awards.

The Elizabeth Blackburn School of Sciences by ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects. This project was shortlisted in the Public Space category at IDEA 2016. Photo by Dianna Snape.

Other categories available for entry in 2017 include International, Event, Hospitality, Object – Furniture and Lighting (Professional), Object – Furniture and Lighting (Rising), Public Space, Residential Decoration, Residential-Multi, Residential-Single, Retail, Workplace – over 1000sqm and Workplace – under 1000sqm.

To save $100 off the IDEA entry fee, submit your entries before 27 March 2017. To enter, click here.

For more information, visit the IDEA website.

Lead image: Ivanhoe Grammar Senior Years & Science Centre by McBride Charles Ryan. This project was highly commended in the Public Space category at IDEA 2016. Photo by John Gollings.

The Institutional category for IDEA 2017 is sponsored by Shaw Contract.