Vienna, Nov 7, 2023. The prize, worth 5,000 euros, was advertised in the EU and in another 33 countries on 5 continents, including Brazil, Mexico, India and China. The international expert jury included projects from Slovakia and the USA on its shortlist.
The Austrian project “Lokalkolorit” by Elvira Kinzner and Thomas Gruber was the winner. The project combats increasing soil sealing worldwide and promotes the densification of existing settlements. “Lokalkolorit” is suitable for curbing the epidemic of soil sealing by reducing the impact of flooding.
Recognitions by the jury go to “Berries,” Alžbeta Kazičková’s floating houses, which, in addition to rotating solar panels, generate energy from plant-microbial fuel cells.
Alžbeta Kazičková
Another mention goes to Jakub Hencze, also Slovakia, who, with his “Air Purifying Towers”, has devised residential towers that combine wind energy and exhaust gas purification.
With “Cloud to Table” Michael Pietosi and Robin Smith (USA) are bringing innovative hydroponic food production to the roofs of major cities.
Almost a third of the world’s total energy consumption goes into the construction industry.
Of this, 40% falls into indoor air conditioning (HVAC) and the trend is rising.
Paul Harather
