Chicago-based design organization, Design Makes Change, is sponsoring a regional design competition with one goal in mind: clean air. The Air We Breathe; The Chicago Clean Air Design Challenge is open to designers in graphic design, architecture, interior architecture, product design, and public space design. The goal of the contest is to provide a platform for designers to come to the table with innovative and creative proposals to raise awareness about air quality issues and help contribute to a solution. One of their main objectives is to encourage research and community partnership in the design process.

Focusing on clean air in two of Chicago's most affected neighborhoods -- Pilsen and Little Village. Poor air quality is an issue that affects all Chicagoans. However, residents of Pilsen and Little Village live below two coal powered plants that regularly emit lead and other toxins into the air. High rates of asthma and other air-quality illnesses are pressing concerns for the residents of these neighborhoods and for much of Chicago. This is the critical environmental concern of the moment in your city and you are a designer. What will you do about it?

Deadline for submissions until April 18th 2011. The best selections will be part of a group exhibition and symposium scheduled for May/June in the Chicago Arts District. Download the application or get more information about the competition here!