# IFDA 2027 Invites Designers to Rediscover the Essence of Wood Global designers return to the roots of wood craftsmanship. - **Source:** [design archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/11868f8d-1e20-41ac-bc2d-8c5af32d721b) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/712e3d78-0d0a-4103-8e4c-ed79975ba387 ## IFDA 2027 Submissions Open The International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa (IFDA 2027) has opened submissions for its 13th edition. This year’s theme invites designers to explore the fundamental relationship between human life, craftsmanship, and raw timber, pushing the boundaries of modern design. ## The Heart of Furniture in Japan Since its inception in 1990, IFDA has connected the global design community with Asahikawa, Japan’s 'heartland of furniture.' Known for its high-quality craftsmanship, Asahikawa has become a global design hub, receiving 10,084 entries from 79 countries. ## Designs Come to Life IFDA offers designers the unique opportunity to turn their ideas into production. Over 50 designs have been commercialized to date. Selected designers collaborate with Asahikawa’s master woodworkers to bring their prototypes to life, witnessing the manufacturing process firsthand. ## Submission Guidelines IFDA 2027 is open to new, previously unpublished furniture designs where wood is the primary material. Submissions opened on July 1, 2026, and will close on December 11, 2026. The competition will be judged by a prestigious panel of global design visionaries. ## Jury and Organization The jury is chaired by Japanese product designer Jin Kuramoto, joined by French artist Ronan Bouroullec, Danish designer Cecilie Manz, and Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane. This panel combines global design perspectives with Asahikawa’s deep-rooted manufacturing expertise. ## UNESCO City of Design Asahikawa was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2019, recognizing its rich heritage in design and craftsmanship. IFDA continues to inspire future designers by bringing this legacy to a global platform, celebrating the essence of wooden design. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/design/ifda-2027-timber-wood-furniture-competition/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._