The Global Award for Sustainable Architecture is gearing up for its 18th edition in 2025, and this year, five outstanding laureates have been selected for their exceptional contributions to building sustainably. Founded in 2006 by visionary architect and researcher Jana Revedin, this prestigious award recognises architects, urban planners, and landscape designers who are pioneers in sustainable development and participatory design, emphasizing a community-focused approach to architecture.
Among this year’s honorees is Prof. Dr. Hoang Thuc Hao, the celebrated architect who founded 1+1>2 in Vietnam. His innovative work particularly focuses on rural architecture, merging modern design with the unique needs and reality of local communities. His ability to directly involve residents in the construction process empowers them to elevate their living environments, marking a shift towards more community-oriented architecture.
Accompanying Hao are four other remarkable professionals: Dr. Salima Naji, an anthropologist and architect from Morocco; Marie Combette and Daniel Moreno Flores from France and Ecuador, who lead La Cabina de la Curiosidad; and the dynamic duo of Marie and Keith Zawistowski from France and the USA, the founders of onSITE. Lastly, Andrea Gebhard—a multifaceted expert in geography, sociology, and urban planning from Germany—rounds out the impressive list of awardees.
This year’s theme, “Architecture Is Construction,” reflects the critical role that design plays in sustainable development. Revedin expressed her pride in showcasing projects that exhibit responsible practices and inventive solutions, with a keen focus on technology that respects local traditions and environments. The awards ceremony, organized under the patronage of UNESCO, took place on May 6, 2025, at the Università Iuav di Venezia in Venice.
Notably, the award is supported by Saint-Gobain, led by Chairman and CEO Benoit Bazin. “This prize perfectly encapsulates the values we uphold at Saint-Gobain: innovating for a more sustainable future,” Bazin stated. The shared vision of creating environmentally and socially conscious living spaces truly shines through the work of these exemplary architects, inspiring a future where architecture harmonizes with community and ecological needs.
As the world grapples with pressing climate challenges, the recognition of these architects serves to inspire a new generation of designers dedicated to building not just for today, but for a sustainable future that benefits everyone.
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