The interior innovation award cologne, which is a regular feature at IMM Cologne, honours the most outstanding innovations. The partner and organiser of this competition is the Rat fuer Formgebung (German Design Council), the German competence centre for design, which confers such prizes as the German Design Award. This year, about 250 companies submitted their innovations to compete for the interior innovation award. Arik Levy won the "best of the best system" category for his ARIE shelf system produced by E15. Also shown above are Reinhard Dienes Diaz foldable stool series JUAN, PEDRO AND PABLO (made from pliable plastic (PP)) and Els Woldheks BASTARD chair, created with the leftover trash leather from the factory - both participants in the d3 contest.

For the fourth time creative newcomers presented their ideas and concepts as part of the d3 design talents at the IMM Cologne. This newcomers forum is made up of the three events d3 contest, d3 professionals and d3 schools and culminates in the d3 contest. Shown above are the three winners of the "Inspired by Cologne" prize: A thirsty Pepe Heykoop who won the first prize for his RESTLESS CHAIRACTER (a chair with flexible rubber joints to increase its comfort and playfulness), Philippe Malouin who came second with his inflatable GRACE table and Jacob Brink who got the third prize for his CLARK desk (which only gets its full formal identity and functionality by the items stored on it).

Some more impressions from the awards show as well as more participants of the d3 contest: Tomas Alonsos NO. 7 NUBE chair (inspired by Thonet chairs), Benjamin Huberts DIAMOND CHAIR and Kwangho Lees KNOT lamp.

View Core77's other Cologne Design Festival Posts:

>> Cologne Design Festival 2009: Video Drive-By: Jennifer Heier: Relegs Chair

>> Cologne Design Festival 2009: Video Drive-By: Stephan Landschuetz: Sporthocker

>> Cologne Design Festival 2009: Video Drive-By: Mirror in Mirror & Bendy Coat Stand

>> Cologne Design Festival 2009: More Design from the Rhine

>> Cologne Design Festival 2009: IMM: Atelier van Lieshout

>> Cologne Design Festival 2009: Passagen: Global Street Food

>> Cologne Design Festival 2009: IMM & Passagen