1. Overview
The Digi Fab Award 2025 by KOKUYO × VUILD is an international design competition that celebrates the synergy of digital fabrication and innovative spatial design. Co-organized by KOKUYO and VUILD, inc., the award promotes DigiFab technology—where digital data is used to craft physical wooden objects like furniture, artworks, and interiors. The competition theme, “Personal and Public”, encourages designers to explore the tension and harmony between private experience and shared environments.
The Grand Prize-winning work will be fabricated and exhibited at Palazzo Mora (Venice, Italy) during the European Cultural Centre exhibition, and later at THE CAMPUS, KOKUYO’s Tokyo office. The competition is also a platform for discussing future design possibilities, promoting commercialization of digitally fabricated public furniture, and aligning with KOKUYO’s vision: “Presenting a tomorrow you can’t wait for.”
2. Why You Should Participate
- Global Exposure: Finalists will exhibit their work during the Venice Biennale at Palazzo Mora and at THE CAMPUS in Tokyo.
- Free Entry: Participation is completely free, making it accessible to all eligible designers and students worldwide.
- Fabrication & Recognition: The Grand Prize design will be realized using CNC fabrication technology, potentially leading to commercialization.
- Innovative Theme: Engage in the design dialogue around how we exist personally within public spaces.
- Networking & Collaboration: Gain access to conversations with leading designers, architects, and digital makers at global events.
3. Key Highlights
- Theme: “Personal and Public”
- Target Designs: Public installations that blend architecture and furniture qualities
- Material Restriction: Wood only, with CNC fabrication
- Eligibility: Open globally to individuals and groups of any age or occupation
- Submission Format: A2 landscape PDF (≤10MB), with drawings, renderings, and concepts in English or Japanese
- Exhibition: Palazzo Mora (Venice) and THE CAMPUS (Tokyo)
4. Entry Fees
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Free |
5. Prizes and Recognition
| Prize Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize | Fabrication & exhibition at Palazzo Mora and THE CAMPUS |
| Excellence Awards | 2 awards |
| Honorable Mentions | 5 awards |
| Additional Notes | Designs may be fabricated even if not awarded the Grand Prize |
6. Submission Details
- Material: Wood only
- Fabrication Method: 3-axis CNC router
- Size Limit: Within W5000 × D5000 × H2000 mm (self-supporting)
- File Format: PDF, max size 10MB
- Layout: A2 landscape (594mm × 420mm)
- Required Content: Title, concept, plan/elevation/cross-sections, CGs, scale & dimensions
Designs must be original and unpublished, suitable for public use, and created with wood fabrication feasibility in mind.
7. Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Entry Opens | 1st June 2025 (Sun) |
| Submission Deadline | 31st July 2025, 23:59 JST |
| Award Announcement | October 2025 (TBA) |
| Exhibition Period | Oct – 23rd Nov 2025 (Palazzo Mora) |
| Post-November Display | THE CAMPUS, Tokyo |
8. How to Join
- Visit the official entry form starting June 1, 2025.
- Prepare your submission according to the detailed guidelines.
- Submit your design online by July 31, 2025 (23:59 JST).
- Monitor KOKUYO’s website and social media for announcements.
9. Judging Criteria
- Clarity of concept
- Alignment with theme
- Feasibility of execution and commercialization
- Creative originality
Judging will be conducted by the Digi Fab Award 2025 Office (KOKUYO × VUILD).
Registration Deadline
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