Domus Academy Awards: projects shaping the future
A celebration of outstanding student projects that combine creativity, research, and innovation, recognising multidisciplinary talent and forward-thinking ideas shaping the future of design, fashion, and business.
The Domus Academy Awards introduce a new annual recognition dedicated to the best projects developed by students throughout the academic year. First presented during the Graduation Ceremony on 18 June 2026, the Awards celebrate the research, experimentation and multidisciplinary approach that define the Domus Academy learning experience.
The initiative was created to recognise the ideas, creative processes, and talents that best reflect the school’s design culture. More than rewarding final outcomes, the Domus Academy Awards celebrate the ability to transform insight and experimentation into meaningful responses to contemporary challenges through the dialogue between design, fashion, business, and innovation.
The inaugural edition, dedicated to the 2024–2025 Academic Year, reviewed more than 400 projects developed across the Design, Fashion, and Business areas. Following a rigorous selection process, the jury selected four projects distinguished by their design quality, vision, and potential impact.
The Domus Academy Award for the School of Design was presented to Smartzone, developed during the Envisioning Workshop in collaboration with LG. Created by Aleksandar Genov, Bilge Selen Kutlu, Shane Bana, and Yu Wei Hu, the project reimagines the home environment through an intelligent lighting and climate control system that adapts in real time to the presence of people, pets, and plants. Combining AI-powered sensors with a refined product vision, Smartzone demonstrates how technology can naturally enhance everyday wellbeing.
The Domus Academy Award for the School of Fashion was presented to Virtual Threads, by Anavee Chuengtanacharoenler. Integrating artificial intelligence, 3D modelling, additive manufacturing, and augmented reality, the project envisions a phygital fashion brand built on personalisation, circularity, and more sustainable production processes, offering a tangible vision of the future of fashion entrepreneurship.
The Domus Academy Award for the School of Business was presented to Crafting Inclusive Futures, developed in collaboration with Fondazione TOG by Catherine Cable, Sarah Abdel Jalil, Tina Jain, Sevval Ozdogan, and Sanjoli Gupta. Combining business strategy, design thinking, and education, the project proposes an inclusive learning programme based on assistive technologies for children with disabilities, demonstrating how innovation can generate lasting social impact.
A Special Mention was awarded to Plant Stories, by Alessandro Roasio, for its original exploration of the relationship between technology and nature. Through environmental sensors and generative artificial intelligence, the project gives plants a “voice”, encouraging a more empathetic relationship between humans and the living world while promoting a life-centred approach to interaction design.
The inaugural edition reflects the richness of ideas, skills, and multidisciplinary approaches that define the Domus Academy community. By recognising projects capable of combining creativity, research, and innovation, the Domus Academy Awards reaffirm the school’s commitment to shaping the future of design, fashion, and business.
FAQ – Frequent questions
1. What are the Domus Academy Awards?
An annual recognition celebrating the best student projects developed during the academic year.
2. What do the Awards recognise?
Research, experimentation and multidisciplinary thinking.
3. How many projects were considered in the first edition?
More than 400 projects across Design, Fashion and Business.
4. How many projects were awarded?
Three category winners and one Special Mention.
5. What is the purpose of the Domus Academy Awards?
To celebrate the ideas, talent, and creative excellence of the Domus Academy community.