Radical Innovation 2025 Finalists
The 2025 Radical Innovation competition received over 100 entries across four distinct categories. After thorough evaluation, the distinguished panel of judges selected eight finalists, two in each category, professional project, student project, professional product, and student product . This year’s competition was exceptionally competitive, showcasing impressive and innovative submissions. Explore the finalists below.
PROJECT - PROFESSIONAL FINALISTS
The Passage
james lee, levi lu, theresa lee | IA Interior architects
The Passage is an innovative adaptive reuse project that transforms abandoned railway bridges into immersive hospitality destinations, reducing the need for new construction. Featuring cantilevered guest pods, skywalks, and rooftop gardens, the design celebrates original trusses while operating as a closed-loop system powered by solar, wind, and rainwater. Adaptable to diverse sites, it offers a first-of-its-kind experience that combines sustainability, architectural heritage, and a deep connection to nature.
GROWN
GRAEME LABE, Angelique Sloan, Anjé Serfontein, Enrico Deysel, Jarred Potgieter, Marize Viljoen, Nadia Ayres, Senzi Mathe | LUXURY FRONTIERS
The structure uses mycelium panels grown from agricultural waste, sealed with beeswax, and paired with a bamboo framework, creating a modular system that is naturally insulating, fully compostable, and adaptable. When panels biodegrade, they return to the earth and are replaced without contributing to landfills, allowing the architecture to renew itself over time.
PROJECT - STUDENT FINALISTS
DUNA SAGRA
Sara osorio alanis, Gabriel San Román Rodríguez, Alan Ignacio Ortuño Moreno, Blanca Paola Colín Reyes | Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Campus Toluca
Duna Sagra is a hospitality concept that embeds itself within the dunes of San Nicolás, Sonora, Mexico. Crowned by a 35-meter oculus that provides ventilation, water collection, solar power, and light, Duna Sagra extends outward into an amphitheater, a market pier, and semi-buried guest modules connected by subterranean lounges and pathways. Duna Sagra transcends the common trope of a “luxury escape” by offering a deeper, more sensorially rich proposition: guests don’t merely visit the desert—they become part of its story.
NIMA
Eugenio Benavides Diaz | Universidad Anáhuac México
NIMA redefines luxury hospitality in the Lacandon Jungle, merging sustainability, cultural authenticity, and immersive design. Elevated glass pods provide 360-degree views of rainforest and mountains while rotating with the sun for passive climate control. Integrated solar panels, water-cooling systems, and minimal-impact engineering ensure regenerative living. Partnering with local Lacandon communities, NIMA offers wellness rituals, foraged cuisine, and cultural programming—creating an experience that is both futuristic and deeply rooted in nature.
PRODUCT - professional FINALISTS
Hyphyn™
iwan nassimi | Hyphyn. The Biodegradable Vinyl
Hyphyn™ is a high-performance vinyl built for durability, easy cleaning, and bleach resistance. Unlike conventional vinyl, it biodegrades over 90% within two years in landfill conditions without leaving toxins or microplastics. Free from PFAS, phthalates, and heavy metals, it meets strict air quality standards and is safe for incineration. Hyphyn™ delivers the performance of vinyl with a much lower environmental impact.
Neptune
Amy tanenbaum, julio velez, laura georgeo | sicis
Neptune is a fully integrated backlit pool cladding system that transforms pools, spas, and water features into immersive, illuminated design statements. By merging SICIS’ patented Vetrite Art Glass with proprietary underwater LED technology, Neptune creates a customizable surface that fuses light, color, and texture—turning water into a visual and emotional centerpiece. Elegant, durable, and engineered for seamless installation, Neptune redefines the pool as a signature design experience.
PRODUCT - STUDENT FINALISTS
SONDR
yu-hsiang cheng | National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
The wall-mounted air purifier acts as a deconstructed wardrobe for deodorizing and drying clothes or shoes with a filter-free reusable mesh, while the curtain uses paper speaker technology to reduce urban noise. The modular design enhances comfort, usability, and maintenance efficiency while supporting sustainable operation.
Upper Folding Sink
LiU CHIA-YI | NATIONAL TAIPEI UNIVERSITY OF education
Elderly users can operate the sink without bending, while dual side handrails provide support and safety. A height-adjustable shower chair and tiltable mirror accommodate seated and standing users, enhancing autonomy and dignity.