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Special & Honourable Mentions

SYMBIOCENE

Celebrating groundbreaking architectural innovation and creative excellence

Special Mention

Juan Méndez de la Vega, Andres Garcia, & Alejandro Olivas

Design Title

Symbio-Genesis

Honourable Mention

Samarina Elizaveta

Design Title

Cerithium

Honourable Mention

Elif Özuzar, Semiha Ayşe Erdör, Nehir Öztürk

Design Title

The City That Waters Itself

SEMİHA AYŞE ERDÖR
Semiha Ayşe Erdör is a Turkish designer based in Milan, currently pursuing her second year in the BA Design program at NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti). Her design philosophy is rooted in the revitalization of the overlooked; she is deeply passionate about identifying forgotten or “underpolished” structures and systems from the past and reimagining them through a contemporary lens. Driven by a keen observational approach, Erdör focuses on transforming rigid or inefficient systems into fluid, ergonomic experiences that better serve humankind. Her work is heavily informed by nature, aiming to establish a sustainable equilibrium between human activity and the environment. Her goal is to design unique, impactful solutions for the global challenges of the modern era.

NEHİR ÖZTÜRK
Nehir Öztürk is a Turkish second-year Product and Interior Design student at NABA, Milan. With a strong passion for design, she is interested in creating thoughtful and innovative solutions that respond to contemporary needs. Her academic journey has allowed her to explore the relationship between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. She deeply cares about global issues and aims to address environmental and social challenges through responsible design practices.

ELİF ÖZUZAR
Elif Özuzar, from Istanbul, Türkiye, is a second-year BA Design student at NABA Milano. Influenced by nature and the built environment, she enjoys drawing and developing spatial concepts that consider the relationship between people and their surroundings. With an interest in sustainable practices, her work focuses on creating functional and expressive designs that respond thoughtfully to context.

Honourable Mention

Azaliia Fattakhova

Design Title

Rock Melody

Fattakhova Azaliya is an 18-year-old first-year student at the Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Ufa State Petroleum Technological University (USPTU). As part of her first-semester project activities, she was encouraged by her teachers to participate in a design competition, an experience that proved highly valuable in her academic journey.
She developed a strong interest in exploring the relationship between architecture and nature, which became a central focus of her work. In her free time, she enjoys music and dancing.

Honourable Mention

Pin Hsi Sung, & Polina Papazova

Design Title

The Woven Grove

The Woven Grove was created by Polina Papazova, a biochemist by training and bio-designer in practice, and Pin-Hsi Sung, an architect dedicated to sustainability and bio-material integration. United by a shared commitment to eco-centric design, their collaboration evokes a dialog between biological, environmental, and human realms that seamlessly merge into one, creating a symbiotic space that fosters shared habitats and thermal ecologies for both human and non-human life.
Rooted in the belief that cities can operate as living ecosystems, it reframes often negatively perceived climate phenomena, such as the urban heat island effect, as latent resources, transforming excess heat into a catalyst for ecological cycles and environmental revitalisation. Developed within the MSc Bio-Integrated Design programme at UCL, The Woven Grove reflects their ongoing pursuit of innovative, sustainable, and ecologically driven design.

Honourable Mention

Anton Zhuravlev

Design Title

The spiral ecotone

Honourable Mention

Daina Ozola

Design Title

The Sensing Village

Daina Ozola is an architect and designer based in Riga, Latvia, with a strong commitment to the principles of natural and sustainable architecture. She earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from Politecnico di Torino (2022–2025), after completing advanced studies in physics and mathematics at Riga State Gymnasium No. 2. This combination of analytical thinking and creative exploration continues to shape her approach to design.

Through professional experience in architecture offices in Riga, as well as an Erasmus exchange at Newcastle University, she has developed an international perspective and a deep appreciation for architecture as both a technical pursuit and a form of storytelling.

Currently, she works on residential, commercial, and landscape projects, focusing on 3D modelling, visualisation, and Revit consultancy. She is especially inspired by projects that integrate local materials, environmental awareness, and social inclusion—creating spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and responsible.

Daina is known for being curious, observant, and highly dedicated to her work. She values collaboration, intercultural exchange, and thoughtful leadership, bringing both creativity and precision into everything she creates.

Honourable Mention

Anzhelina Bogdanova

Design Title

Hested Height

Honourable Mention

Polina Lukonina

Design Title

Underwater observation tower

Honourable Mention

Galimkhanova Elina

Design Title

Ichthyo-ornithological center

Galimkhanova Elina is a first-year student at the Ufa Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering in Russia. Having dreamed of becoming an architect since childhood, she is now actively pursuing that ambition.
She has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her work, pouring great effort and passion into her projects. She is delighted to see her hard work recognized and hopes that her future projects will continue to build upon this journey.

Honourable Mention

Dektyannikova Mariya

Design Title

Mirage View Terrace

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