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.
Here are some press releases. Puls24, Building Times, Brandaktuell,
The project combats soil sealing and promotes densification of existing settlements.
“Lokalkolorit” also reduces the impact of flooding, an increasing worldwide issue.
Interview with Elvira Kinzner (German)
Special recognitions by the jury go to “Berries,” a project from Slovakia.
In addition to rotating solar panels, Alžbeta Kazičková’s floating houses, generate energy from plant-microbial fuel cells.
Alžbeta Kazičková
Another special mention goes to Jakub Hencze, also from Slovakia.
With his “Air Purifying Towers” Jakub 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 construction and maintaining buildings.
Of this, 40% falls into indoor air conditioning (HVAC) and the trend is rising.
Paul Harather