Franziska Sorger and Öykü Tok’s concept is one of 100 selected from over 7,000 submissions originating from 74 countries. An international, independent jury of experts thoroughly reviewed the design concept Material Perspectives – Towards Bioregionalism in the Oberpfalz and ultimately recognized it as award-worthy.
The project was developed at the Professorship of Architecture and Design, where both graduates are now working as research associates. The concept aims to transform local industrial waste into alternative binders that can replace cement in concrete production. By repurposing waste materials, the project addresses carbon emissions from traditional cement while reducing the extraction of primary raw materials and lowering landfill volumes. The innovative materials developed—geopolymers and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)—are designed to match or even exceed the performance of conventional cement. The project targets architects, construction firms, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities, and promotes collaboration and innovation.
The iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD was presented for the 23rd consecutive year. Each year, around 7,000 entries from over 70 nations are admitted. As one of the most prestigious student design awards worldwide, the competition awards a total of EUR 50,000 in prize money annually. All submitted concepts are required to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's award ceremony was held in Bilbao; previous events have taken place in Milan, Istanbul, and Valencia.
In addition to the iF Design Award, Franziska Sorger and Öykü Tok also received first place in the Concrete Design Competition organized by InformationsZentrum Beton.
Further Information:
- Project page at iF Design Award
- Article on Baunetz Campus
- Project documentation on mediaTUM
- Concrete Design Competition – Winners overview
- Professorship of Architecture and Design, Prof. Niklas Fanelsa