Co-hosted by DESIGN 21 members The Nature Conservancy and FSC-US, the Going With the Grain Challenge is meant to raise awareness of the importance of FSC certification. Open to all designers including furniture designers and manufacturers, architects and industrial designers, the goal is to design an original, functional and aesthetically appealing object made from a single sheet of FSC-certified plywood (measuring 4’ x 8’ x 1”). The prototype of the winning design will be auctioned in concurrence with the May 2009 opening of The Nature Conservancy’s Design for a Living World traveling exhibit that will feature sustainable natural materials from around the globe. Proceeds will benefit The Nature Conservancy’s sustainable forestry program. The winner will also receive a manufactured sample of their design. Deadline for entries is June 2, 2009.

For more information, please visit http://www.design21sdn.com/challenges/15