Compasso d'Oro 2027 Calls for 'Design for Humanity at Play' Submissions
Prestigious design award seeks projects exploring play's role in human connection
1Award timeline and scope
The Compasso d'Oro International Design Award 2027 is accepting submissions until January 20, 2027, for projects developed between January 2023 and December 2026. Organized by ADI in collaboration with BIE, the competition targets designers, brands, and institutions participating in Expo 2027 Belgrade. With its theme 'Design for Humanity at Play,' the award challenges creators to explore design's role in fostering connection and resilience across nine distinct categories.
2Three thematic lenses
The 2027 edition interprets play through three frameworks: 'Power of Play' focuses on individual health and sustainability; 'Play for Progress' emphasizes scientific and creative discovery through trial and error; 'Play Together' examines sport and music as community connectors. These themes will guide submissions across categories including living, lighting, food, communication, and social innovation, encouraging solutions rooted in shared human experiences.
3Historical significance
Established by Gio Ponti in 1954 and managed by ADI since 1958, the Compasso d'Oro holds a unique position in design culture. The competition builds on a tradition of exhibitions connected with World Expos, including Milan 2015 and Osaka 2025. A ten-year MoU between ADI and BIE ensures the award's continuity through 2035, offering participants exceptional global exposure through Expo platforms.
4Jury process and awards
On May 24, 2027, an international jury will select projects representing design excellence, awarding 20 Compasso d'Oro prizes and up to 50 honorable mentions. The ceremony will also present up to three International Career Awards to non-Italian contributors who've advanced global design culture. This rigorous selection process maintains the award's prestigious reputation in the design community.
5Expo 2027 showcase
Selected finalists will be exhibited in a dedicated Compasso d'Oro pavilion within Expo 2027 Belgrade's Best Practices area through August 15, 2027. The showcase will feature six thematic weeks of public programming and interactive installations, providing unprecedented visibility for award-winning designs. This extended exhibition period allows for deeper public engagement with the selected works.
6Permanent legacy
All awarded works will permanently join the ADI Compasso d'Oro Historical Collection at Milan's ADI Design Museum post-exposition. This ensures contemporary recognition becomes part of design history, following in the footsteps of iconic past winners like Thomas Heatherwick's Spun chair and Vico Magistretti's Atollo lamp. The collection serves as an ongoing resource for design professionals and scholars.
7Project categories
The competition spans nine categories that collectively address how design can enhance human connection through play. From spatial solutions to product innovations, submissions must demonstrate how they foster participation and speculative thinking. The broad category range reflects design's expanding role in addressing complex social challenges through creative problem-solving.
8Global design impact
By aligning with Expo 2027 Belgrade and maintaining its decade-long partnership with BIE, the Compasso d'Oro award extends its influence beyond traditional design circles. The 'Design for Humanity at Play' theme positions design as a vital tool for social innovation, challenging participants to create work that resonates across cultures and disciplines while setting new standards for design excellence.