The winners of the 2025 EUmies Young Talent Awards were revealed at the International Architecture Exhibition (La Biennale di Venezia) in Venice. Co-organized by the Creative Europe program and the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, the awards recognize innovative architecture that addresses contemporary societal, urban, and environmental challenges. The winning projects are not only creative in design but also reflect a strong commitment to sustainability, adaptability, and resilience in the face of global crises.
The ceremony showcased four outstanding projects that represent the thinking of a new generation of architects, pushing the boundaries of architecture in response to urban fragmentation, climate change, temporary reuse, and community-driven design. The jury praised these works for transcending traditional architectural practices and for tackling real-world issues through socially engaged, environmentally responsible design.
Among the winners were Brave New Axis from Athens, Forest & Phoenix from Berlin, Hotel Interim from Weimar, and Poolside Politics from London. These projects, each with unique spatial concepts and materials, aim to create spaces that foster inclusivity, ecological balance, and societal participation.
Brave New Axis by Spyridon Loukidis, Markos Georgios Sakellion, and Georgios Thalassinos from the National Technical University of Athens, reimagines the urban landscape of Athens. The project transforms vacant parking lots and public spaces into a vibrant civic area, complete with a free garden, a maze-like park, and a geometric forum at the city’s historic core. This reconfiguration of Athens' urban grid reconnects its diverse neighborhoods and enhances mobility, encouraging social inclusion. The jury highlighted how the project breathes new life into the city’s classical grid, emphasizing the importance of public spaces in modern urban life.
In Berlin, Forest & Phoenix by Carolina von Hammerstein and Vera Kellmann addresses the urgent need for hybrid infrastructures to combat forest fires. By integrating architectural design with forest management and fire prevention, this project brings ecology and public space into dialogue. It showcases the potential for architecture to contribute to environmental solutions, particularly in combating climate-related disasters. The jury admired the project’s interdisciplinary approach and its vision for a greener, more sustainable future.
In Weimar, Hotel Interim by Andreas Stanzel explores adaptive reuse by transforming an abandoned hotel into a temporary learning facility for the University of Arts. In a world of uncertainty, the project questions how architecture can mediate between conflicting interests, emphasizing the role of temporary spaces in responding to immediate societal needs. Stanzel’s work demonstrates how architecture can adapt to changing circumstances and make meaningful contributions to society’s evolving needs.
Poolside Politics by James Langlois, a winner of the Young Talent Open category, reimagines an abandoned public swimming pool in Marseille as a symbol of civic empowerment. The project delves into the politics of water access in Southern France, where water resources are increasingly becoming a political issue. Langlois investigates collective action, questioning how architecture can be a catalyst for social change and new forms of radical collectivism. The jury praised the project’s ability to engage with contemporary political and environmental themes through an architectural lens.
These projects highlight the diverse and innovative ways in which architecture can respond to pressing global challenges. They not only push the boundaries of design but also encourage a broader conversation about the role of architects in shaping a sustainable, socially responsible future. As climate change and societal shifts continue to challenge our cities, architecture is no longer just about creating beautiful spaces; it is about responding to the complex needs of the world.
The 2025 EUmies Young Talent Awards showcase the potential of young architects to bring about meaningful change through their designs. Their works not only influence the architectural community but also provide valuable insights on how architecture can contribute to a more resilient and inclusive future. These winning projects are not just innovative in their design but serve as powerful symbols of collective action and social responsibility. As we face an uncertain future, these young architects are leading the way in creating a built environment that is both adaptable and responsible.