Sustainability in Design: 8 Projects That Are Changing the Game
The world is waking up to the urgent need for sustainable design, but what does it truly mean to create spaces that are both functional and environmentally conscious? Here’s the eye-opening part: it’s not just about using recycled materials—it’s about reimagining how we build, renovate, and interact with our surroundings. To inspire your entries for the Dezeen Awards, we’ve curated a list of eight exceptional projects that redefine sustainable architecture and interiors. But here’s where it gets controversial: can these projects truly set a global standard, or are they just shining examples in a sea of unsustainable practices?
Every submission to the Dezeen Awards is evaluated on its usefulness and consideration for both people and the planet. But some projects, like the ones highlighted here, go beyond the basics. They challenge norms, innovate with materials, and set new benchmarks in sustainability. These standout examples fall under our five sustainability categories: sustainable building, sustainable renovation, sustainable interior, sustainable design, and material innovation. And this is the part most people miss: each project tells a story of how creativity and responsibility can coexist harmoniously.
Have you got a project that pushes these boundaries? Read on to discover how these shortlisted entries from past editions of the Dezeen Awards are making waves in the world of sustainable design.
1. Haus 1 - Atelier Gardens by MVRDV
A 1990s office building in Berlin has been transformed into a vibrant landmark, drenched in bright yellow paint and crowned with a 57-metre-long zigzagging staircase. Designed by Dutch studio MVRDV, this renovation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a bold statement of innovation. The project features bio-based finishes like clay ceilings and high-recycled-content materials, embodying the “radical” and “optimistic” spirit of the film and media campus it inhabits. But is this enough to offset the environmental impact of large-scale renovations?
2. Aesop Diagonal by Mesura
In Barcelona, reclaimed stone fragments from 19th-century fountains, archways, and Gothic buildings define the neutral-hued Aesop store. Spanish studio Mesura repurposed these pieces into chunky basins and shelving units, celebrating the stone’s raw textures and historical significance. Does this approach truly honor the past, or is it just a trendy way to reuse materials?
3. Katajanokan Laituri by Anttinen Oiva Architects
Finland’s largest mass-timber building sits on Helsinki’s waterfront, housing the headquarters of a forestry company. Using 7,600 cubic metres of spruce and ash, the structure pays homage to Finland’s timber-building heritage while showcasing the potential of wood construction. But how scalable is this approach in a world dominated by concrete and steel?
4. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School by Diana Kellogg Architects
In India’s Thar Desert, this all-girls’ school blends seamlessly into its surroundings with locally sourced, hand-carved sandstone. Solar panels and a water harvesting system reinforce its connection to the environment. Is this a model for sustainable education, or does it remain an isolated success story?
5. Angsila Oyster Scaffolding Pavilion by Chat Architects
Constructed by local fishermen near Bangkok, this bamboo pavilion highlights the coastal fishing industry. Tourists are invited to select oysters and mussels for a sea-to-table dining experience. Does this project truly empower local communities, or is it just a novelty for tourists?
6. Monc by Nina+Co
For bioplastic eyewear brand MONC’s London store, Nina+Co designed an undulating cornstarch-foam ceiling and mycelium display plinths. With a focus on circularity, every element was created for disassembly and reuse, catering to the brand’s short-term lease. Is this the future of retail design, or a niche solution for specific clients?
7. Space House by Squire and Partners
Two mid-century modern office buildings in London were renovated and vertically extended, preserving 90% of the original structure while modernizing facilities and transitioning to full electric power. Does this approach strike the right balance between preservation and innovation?
8. Learning and Sports Centre by General Architecture Collaborative
In Rwanda, this community-operated hub was built using local materials like clay bricks, eucalyptus bark, and regional grasses. Nearly 400 community members were trained in sustainable construction techniques to create a facility that includes a library, classrooms, and a theatre. Can this model be replicated in other developing regions, or is it too resource-intensive?
Your Turn to Make a Difference
Have you completed a project that challenges the status quo of sustainable design? Enter the Dezeen Awards by 25 March and take advantage of our discounted early entry fees. Submit your projects by 23:59 London time to save 20%. For more information, visit our website or subscribe to our newsletter. And don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—we’re here to help you shine.
Thought-Provoking Question: As we celebrate these projects, are we doing enough to make sustainable design the norm rather than the exception? Share your thoughts in the comments!
