Month: April 2025

The project explores a desirable future, to spark hope during challenging times: In 2073, an activist tells us how we saved the climate.  

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

The harsh reality of the climate emergency has led to widespread apathy: 75% of young people worldwide are frightened by the future due to the climate crisis (Hickman et al. 2021). This anxiety does not lead to action or change. “Remember the Future” tackles this issue by presenting a hopeful, solutions-based narrative set in 2073, illustrating how social engagement today led to a climate-stabilized future. The project inspires young people to take action, offering an optimistic, science-based approach that counters the dominant dystopian narratives often amplified by climate deniers. This aligns with the Open Call criteria by providing a community-driven solution and enhancing social engagement through positive, actionable storytelling.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

“Remember the Future” is a speculative short film imagining a world where humanity successfully solved the climate crisis. The film presents a hopeful, science-based narrative that shifts the focus from catastrophe to solutions, inspiring viewers to take action. Rooted in climate science, foresight, and speculative design, the project draws inspiration from social movements, environmental writings, films, and climate solutions recommended by the IPCC. It uses insights from climate psychology and neuroscience to explore how storytelling can inspire action. The film’s iterative process involved audience feedback before production, combining live-action and AI-generated footage to create a compelling vision of the future.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

Unlike traditional climate communication that often relies on technical facts or catastrophic narratives, “Remember the Future” presents a solutions-driven approach, showcasing a world where the climate has been stabilized. Through an emotional story told by a contemporary witness, the film engages viewers on a human level, shifting the focus from problems to possibilities. Grounded in science, the project boosts agency rather than anxiety, applying foresight and narrative world-building for purpose-driven filmmaking. It’s not a documentary, dystopian film, or utopian fantasy—it’s a science-based optimistic narrative designed to inspire young audiences to view themselves as part of the solution.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

Research shows that young people increasingly feel helpless in the face of the climate emergency. Traditional climate narratives often reinforce these feelings. To break this cycle of desperation and apathy, young people need hope and action. “Remember the Future” offers a hopeful, solutions-driven vision of 2073, showing the positive impact of collective action today. It presents a world that is not perfect but much better than the alternative of climate breakdown, generating hope that inspires action. The project shifts the narrative from fear to empowerment, reinforcing the idea that today’s efforts can create a thriving tomorrow.

Fabulous Fungi pioneers sustainable textile dyeing with fungi-based pigments, eliminating toxic chemicals and water waste while promoting circular fashion. Our innovative bio-based approach redefines color in fashion, fostering a regenerative and eco-conscious future.

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

The textile industry is one of the largest polluters, with synthetic dyes contributing to water pollution, resource depletion, and toxic waste. Fabulous Fungi addresses this by developing fungi-based pigments as a sustainable alternative, eliminating harmful chemicals, reducing water waste, and promoting circularity. Our bio-based dyes are biodegradable, enabling brands to create fully compostable textiles. Our approach aligns with the Open Call criteria by significantly reducing environmental impact, integrating circular design through reusability and upcyclability, and fostering local production. We engage communities by collaborating with designers, researchers, and sustainable brands to implement fungi-based dyeing at scale. Through workshops and educational outreach, we raise awareness and empower the next generation to embrace sustainable fashion. By replacing toxic dyes with nature-based solutions, we drive systemic change in the fashion industry, making sustainability more accessible, innovative, and impactful for both consumers and manufacturers.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

Fabulous Fungi transforms textile dyeing with fungi-based pigments, offering a regenerative alternative to synthetic dyes. Inspired by nature’s ability to create vibrant, biodegradable colors, we harness fungal metabolites to produce rich, non-toxic hues without polluting waterways. Our process involves cultivating specific fungal strains that naturally produce pigments. These are extracted and applied using resource-efficient dyeing techniques that require minimal water and energy. Unlike conventional dyes, our pigments bond effectively with natural fibers, ensuring longevity while maintaining biodegradability. We work with sustainable brands, researchers, and artisans to refine applications and explore scalable production. By merging biotechnology with traditional dyeing methods, we create a system that supports circular fashion. Our project not only reduces environmental harm but also educates and inspires designers to rethink color in textiles, proving that sustainability and aesthetics can coexist through science-driven innovation.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

Fabulous Fungi pioneers a nature-based dyeing method that eliminates the environmental harm of synthetic dyes while maintaining vibrant, long-lasting color. Unlike existing plant-based or bacterial dyes, our fungi-derived pigments offer greater scalability, consistency, and fiber compatibility without relying on arable land or intensive resource use. Our innovation lies in merging biotechnology with traditional craftsmanship, creating a fully biodegradable, circular alternative for the fashion industry. We optimize fungi cultivation for color extraction, reducing water consumption and eliminating toxic runoff, a major issue in conventional dyeing. Additionally, our approach fosters systemic change by engaging designers, brands, and consumers through education and collaboration. By integrating our fungi-based pigments into existing production processes, we provide a practical, scalable solution that aligns with circular economy principles—pushing the boundaries of sustainable textiles and proving that bio-based innovation can redefine fashion’s relationship with color.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

Yes, Fabulous Fungi directly addresses young people’s growing demand for sustainable fashion, transparency, and ethical production. Today’s youth are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and seek alternatives that align with their values, yet struggle to find truly sustainable options. Our fungi-based pigments provide a non-toxic, biodegradable solution, empowering young designers, brands, and consumers to embrace circular fashion without compromising on aesthetics or quality. By eliminating harmful chemicals and reducing water waste, we support a healthier planet for future generations. Through educational workshops, collaborations, and storytelling, we actively engage young creatives, equipping them with knowledge and tools to drive change in the industry. Our project not only offers an alternative to polluting dyes but also inspires youth to rethink materials, sustainability, and innovation—giving them a tangible way to participate in reshaping the future of fashion.

The project explores adaptability for a water-bound future, transforming quarry sites into flood-responsive terrains. Inhabitants construct a matrix of floating and anchored structures—habitable vessels, gardens, reservoirs, filtration systems, and hydroelectric playscapes—embracing environmental precarity as potential.

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

This project addresses the urgent need for adaptable infrastructure in response to rising sea levels and increasingly unpredictable climate conditions. Existing flood defense strategies, such as embankments and barriers, are often costly and static, typically prioritizing economic centers while neglecting ecologically and culturally significant regions. By reimagining underutilized quarry sites along the Essex Colne Estuary as living laboratories for environmental resilience and social innovation, this project proposes an adaptive model of inhabitation that embraces water rather than resists it. Community engagement is fundamental, with hands-on construction and learning enabling residents to co-develop floating and anchored structures tailored to local needs—housing, water filtration, energy production, and play. The project aims to minimize environmental impact by incorporating renewable energy and water systems while fostering a socially engaged, self-sustaining community. Ultimately, it advocates for architecture as a conduit for empowerment, adaptability, and ecological stewardship.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

This speculative proposal reimagines flood-prone quarry sites along the Essex Colne Estuary as adaptive, educational landscapes. Inspired by Cedric Price’s visionary thinking, the project embraces the precariousness of these stepped terrains and transforms them into flood-responsive playscapes and living infrastructures. It proposes a phased, zone-based edufactory where students live, learn, and develop amphibious strategies for a water-bound future. Floating and anchored ad-hoc structures, including habitable vessels, filtration towers, solar shelters, and gardens, create a resilient matrix that adapts to changing environmental conditions. Hydro-electric generators harness tidal flows, while modular construction is aided by portal cranes. This project prioritizes ecological integration and long-term resilience by rejecting static flood defense models, positioning education and creative labor as essential tools for survival. In doing so, it proposes a new architectural language capable of addressing climate change through adaptation, community engagement, and systemic transformation.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

The project distinguishes itself by synthesizing education, infrastructure, and speculative design. Unlike conventional flood defenses focused solely on protection, this vision presents a proactive, adaptable model that integrates flooding into everyday life. Drawing inspiration from Cedric Price’s radical thinking, it offers a flexible, community-led alternative to top-down, static infrastructure. By creating an “edufactory,” the project encourages students, residents, and researchers to collaboratively develop solutions in real time. Modular floating and anchored structures permit responsive development shaped by environmental conditions and community needs. The integration of renewable energy, water filtration systems, and productive landscapes ensures low-impact, self-sustaining growth. Rather than isolating people from nature, this project fosters a symbiotic relationship, presenting a practical framework for climate resilience that challenges architects to rethink design roles in creating adaptive, inclusive futures.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

The Flooding School for Amphibious Living centers on young people’s needs by addressing their increasing concerns about climate change, agency, and the future of education and work. It redefines the learning environment as an active, collaborative space where students acquire practical skills in environmental stewardship, construction, and adaptive living. By merging education with real-world problem-solving, the project empowers young people to become agents of change rather than passive receivers of knowledge. It resonates with the shifting values of younger generations toward sustainability, community, and alternative lifestyles by fostering creativity, resilience, and self-sufficiency. The hands-on, decentralized approach of the school responds to calls for more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful educational experiences. By equipping young individuals to navigate environmental uncertainties, the project enables them to create innovative responses within their communities, blending knowledge production with lived experience—an opportunity that traditional institutions rarely offer. 

Edible Okara spoons reduce plastic waste and sugar intake by upcycling soy byproducts into flavorful, compostable utensils that enhance the taste of unsweetened foods—merging sustainability with healthier eating habits in one simple innovation.

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

This project tackles two critical challenges—plastic waste and excessive sugar consumption—by creating edible spoons made from Okara, a nutrient-rich soy byproduct of the tofu production. These spoons replace disposable plastic cutlery while naturally enhancing the sweetness of foods like yogurt or ice cream through added flavors, reducing the need for added sugars. By upcycling Okara, an abundant agricultural byproduct, the solution prevents food waste and eliminates plastic pollution, as the spoons are entirely compostable and edible. The production process requires minimal energy and no synthetic additives, making it far more resource-efficient than manufacturing conventional plastic utensils. At the same time, the spoons’ ability to amplify perceived sweetness encourages healthier eating habits by allowing consumers to enjoy naturally low-sugar desserts without sacrificing taste. This dual approach—diverting food waste from landfills while reducing sugar intake—demonstrates a scalable circular economy innovation that addresses both environmental and public health concerns through a simple utensil.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

This project transforms Okara—the fiber and protein-rich pulp from soy milk production—into edible spoons through an innovative baking process. After extensive testing, I developed a dough formula combining dried Okara with whole-grain spelt that achieves the perfect balance between durability and edibility. The spoons maintain structural integrity during use while remaining fully compostable.
By adding natural sweeteners to the dough, consumers can choose unsweetened natural products like Yoghurts without sacrifice. Nutritionally, Soypulp provides valuable dietary fiber and complete plant-based proteins from the Okara. The result is a functional utensil that holds up to regular use while offering nutritional benefits. Unlike plastic cutlery, these spoons create zero waste—they can be eaten after use or will quickly biodegrade.
This circular solution upcycles agricultural byproducts into utensils that support both environmental sustainability and healthier eating habits.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

The project breaks new ground by creating edible spoons that actively improve both sustainability and nutrition—going far beyond simply replacing plastic utensils. While most edible cutlery offers single-use alternatives, we’ve developed a multifunctional tool from upcycled Okara that enhances food flavor while delivering nutritional benefits. The innovation lies in our unique material formulation that transforms a food industry byproduct into nutrient-rich utensils with promising properties. In addition, the sweetened spoons can reduce sugar cravings while providing valuable fiber and plant protein. Unlike conventional solutions that address either waste or health separately, Okara tackles both challenges simultaneously. What truly sets the spoons apart is their active role in improving eating habits. They’re not just passive containers but functional tools that make healthy foods more enjoyable.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

This project speaks directly to young people who care about the environment and want to make a difference. The edible spoons made from Okara (soy pulp) offer a smart solution that fits their lifestyle in three key ways:

1. The project shows how creative science can solve real-world problems. It demonstrates how food byproducts can be transformed into something useful, which could inspire young innovators interested in science, technology, or environmental careers.

2. They give young, environmentally conscious consumers an easy way to ditch plastic utensils while enjoying their favorite snacks like yogurt or ice cream. It’s a practical step toward reducing waste that matches their green values.

3. The spoons actually make healthy eating easier. They’re packed with natural fiber and protein from the Okara, and their special design enhances flavors so foods taste sweeter without extra sugar—perfect for health-focused young adults.

I designed an app that “mismatches” people, giving them the opportunity to meet someone from another “bubble.” It’s a playground that teaches respectful conversations despite differences—a celebration of ambiguity and otherness.

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

My project is grounded in concern over growing societal polarization. As philosopher Hanno Sauer puts it, our opinions don’t differ as much as we think—we just hate each other. We pigeonhole before even getting to know one another, missing out on the chance to connect and collaborate. Yet, history, biology, and the humanities show that cooperation is essential for sustainable life. Addressing societal fragmentation, “yarn” connects people from different backgrounds, encouraging dialogue and tolerance of ambiguity. By embracing otherness instead of fearing it, users learn to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives. This project fosters social engagement, community-driven solutions, and resource efficiency by leveraging existing digital infrastructure to create new opportunities for connection.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

A huge inspiration was Tyson Yunkaporta’s “Sand Talk” and the Aboriginal tradition of “yarning”—a practice of sitting together, talking, and listening with respect. The app functions similarly to dating apps like Tinder but instead matches users with people outside their typical “bubble.” The goal isn’t romantic connection but rather breaking down prejudices and fostering meaningful conversations. By engaging with differing perspectives, users develop open-mindedness and appreciation for other ways of thinking. The design visually reflects these conceptual ideas through contrasting forms and a symbolic language inspired by Aboriginal culture. The name “yarn” also refers to the handicraft, where individual threads are woven into a whole, representing the way human connections create intricate, meaningful patterns.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

Many existing discussion formats bring together people with differing worldviews but often frame differences as purely negative obstacles to consensus. While agreement is important, this oversimplified approach can actually deepen polarization. “Yarn” takes a different approach, embracing differences as valuable perspectives that broaden understanding. Inspired by the Aboriginal practice of yarning, the app fosters mutual respect and encourages learning from one another—so long as conversations remain grounded in facts and shared ethical values. It’s not about debating or winning arguments but rather practicing the art of meaningful dialogue. By shifting the narrative from conflict to collaboration, “yarn” makes the process of engaging with diverse perspectives feel less like a battle and more like an opportunity for growth.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

The issues of polarization and digital echo chambers particularly impact young people. Social media, while a primary space for connection, often distorts reality, fueling division rather than dialogue. Extremist groups exploit growing insecurities and discontent, reinforcing a sense of “us vs. them.” At the same time, young people crave meaningful connections, a need heightened by the pandemic. “Yarn” meets them where they are—online—while challenging them to step outside their comfort zones. By keeping the process fun and lighthearted, the app lowers the barriers to engaging in unfamiliar conversations. It enables young people to connect with “the other” in a safe, structured way, fostering understanding instead of fear. This exposure to diverse perspectives helps build resilience against misinformation, strengthens critical thinking skills, and ultimately empowers young people to navigate an increasingly complex world with confidence and curiosity.

Focused on circular economy practices, KTR transforms cable trays into a modular shelving system, advocating reuse, reducing waste, and driving systemic change in the construction industry.

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

Cable trays are vital for contemporary electrical installations but often outlast the buildings they serve. When decommissioned, dismantling and reinstallation processes are rarely economically viable, leading to the common practice of recycling them as scrap metal. KTR addresses this issue by proposing an alternative reuse approach. Extending product lifespans is a core principle of circular economy, where recycling is a last resort following repair, reuse, and repurposing. Collaborating with BauKarussell, social enterprises can bridge labor market gaps by providing valuable services such as dismantling, cleaning, and adapting cable trays, as well as assembling the resulting products. This initiative not only supports sustainable practices but also creates positive social impact, ultimately redefining how we think about construction waste.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

KTR showcases the overlooked potential of building elements and products during demolition or renovation. Unlike traditional design processes, this project emphasizes continuous research, with form-finding playing a lesser role. Insights were garnered through literature reviews, site visits, interviews, and analysis of technical datasheets. By reusing the materials and their inherent modularity as a design principle, KTR results in a modular shelving system that can be adjusted for various widths and extends in any direction. The design is reinforced with threaded rods typically used to suspend cable trays, while the vertical tubes’ color palette is inspired by standard electrical engineering wire colors. The project adheres to Circular Design Rules, ensuring it provides a genuinely sustainable and circular solution for the repurposing of cable trays.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

KTR provides a scalable and adaptable solution that differentiates it from artistic, specialized upcycling designs. By emphasizing reuse and repurposing, it aligns with the core principles of the circular economy. The focus on responsible repurposing—considering repairability and minimal adjustments—ensures a thoughtful approach to sustainability. The method used to develop KTR can be replicated with various materials and challenges, promoting collaborative efforts among communities and designers to accelerate progress in the field. Moreover, the design highlights the necessity of large-scale practices for reusing building components. Ideally, KTR would become obsolete, as the standard practice would be to reuse all cable trays as originally intended until they are no longer functional.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

The building sector in the EU accounts for 40% of emissions and generates nearly one-third of all waste, establishing an unsustainable model that endangers ecosystems. Millennials and Gen Z will likely bear the brunt of these linear approaches’ consequences. Any solution that promotes a shift from linear to circular practices aligns with the interests of younger generations. KTR directly addresses the challenges of reusing functional materials. With an appealing design that conveys this crucial message, it fosters an optimistic narrative to tackle a complex issue. By championing sustainable practices and providing viable alternatives to traditional wasteful systems, KTR not only meets the immediate needs of young people but also empowers them to participate in a more sustainable future, equipping them with the knowledge to advocate for responsible consumption and production patterns.