The 10th-annual Habitare Design Competition challenges designers to create the overall concept of an outdoor toilet and related items from the point of view of architecture and design. Previous competitions have focused on themes Recycled Seat (2010 – winners: Arttu Kuisma and Janne Melajoki) and Sauna (2009 – winners: Ville Hara and Anu Puustinen). Alfredo Häberli, Sami Rintala, Åke Axelsson and Jasper Morrison have all previously served as head judges.

Architecture Professor Mikko Heikkinen will judge the competition, which is organized by the Finnish Fair Corporation and the Aalto University School of Art and Design. The winner will be announced on September 14, 2011 at furniture fair, Habitare, from September 14 to 18.

Dean of the Aalto University School of Art and Design Professor Helena Hyvönen will chair the panel of judges, along with interior architect Simo Heikkilä; architect Pentti Kareoja; architect Karola Sahi; designer Timo Salli; interior architect and designer Timo Sairi; and Finnish Fair Corporation Exhibition Group Manager Päivi Kukkamäki.

The first prize of EUR 10,000 will be awarded by the Finnish Fair Foundation. The competition is open to designers and architects aged 35 or younger who are practising or studying design or architecture in Finland, as well as to work groups of the above. The panel of judges will evaluate the quality of the entries in terms of design and architecture, general functional and structural issues, overall durability, and clarity. The first phase of the competition will end on 31 March 2011. 3–5 finalists will be selected to be brought to life for the Habitare fair held at the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre.