Speakers (2019–2024)
MVRDV
Snøhetta
LAVA
MECANOO
Rainer Mahlamäki
Anna Heringer
Anupama Kundoo
David Basulto
Architecture in Foyer is a recurring event combined with the awards ceremony for the Design Educates Awards, an international competition initiated by the LAKA Foundation. Architecture in Foyer emerged on the map of architectural events through the initiative of Peter Kuczia and thanks to the commitment and passion of Solarlux. Driven by a commitment to innovation and a philosophy of challenging conventional thinking, the company created a platform for open dialogue on transformative architecture – projects and ideas that push boundaries and redefine our built environment. In previous editions, young architects, seasoned professionals, and business leaders came together in Solarlux Campus in Melle to exchange insights, share visions, and explore the future of architecture.
In 2025, Solarlux has partnered with the Faculty of Architecture Warsaw University of Technology (FA WUT) to expand Architecture in Foyer into a full-scale conference. This initiative will be thematically connected to the Design Educates Awards, highlighting how design acts not only as a creative discipline but also as a powerful tool for learning and societal transformation. As architecture schools around the world evolve toward project- centered education, we aim to explore how design builds knowledge—shaping both the architect and the world they help construct. Through keynote presentations, case studies, and discussions with leading practitioners, we will examine the deep relationship between design processes and educational growth.
Project-Based Learning is at the core of architectural education. Our intellectual development and creative sensitivity deepen through hands-on engagement with increasingly complex and context- specific design challenges. It’s no coincidence that architects often reach their full creative maturity later in life; their education requires the slow construction of a personal reference base and expressive language, developed through individual and collaborative studio work.
Thesis
Architecture and design are not merely tools for solving functional problems — they are also mediums of education. By embedding meaning, narrative, and awareness into built environments, designers can foster learning, reflection, and responsible action in society. The conference aims to redefine the role of design in shaping both physical space and cultural consciousness.
Goals
1. Explore the educational potential of architecture and design. Highlight how architectural works and design solutions can communicate knowledge, values, and social messages beyond their functional roles.
2. Bridge practice and academia in design education. Foster dialogue between architects, designers, educators, and researchers to redefine design’s role in contemporary education and knowledge dissemination.
3. Promote design that educates. Showcase and critically reflect on projects that go beyond aesthetics and utility to foster awareness, responsibility, and engagement in social, environmental, or cultural issues.
4. Encourage interdisciplinary approaches. Open a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and integration of education, architecture, and innovation in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments.
5. Highlight award-winning examples. Present and discuss the outcomes of the DesignEducates Awards as case studies of best practices in educational design thinking.
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Thomas Auer
Professor Thomas Auer is one of the world’s leading experts in climate-responsive building design.
He heads the Chair of Building Technology and Climate Responsive Architectural Design at the University of Technology Munich, and as Managing Director of the renowned TRANSSOLAR Energietechnik GmbH, he co-develops pioneering projects across the globe. From 2001 to 2008, he taught at Yale University and has also been a visiting professor in Paris, Toronto, Sassari, and Kassel. He is the author of numerous publications in prestigious journals, including Perspecta: The Yale Architectural Journal, as well as books on modern façades.
Design Educates Awards
The strength of our competition lies in the fact that among the laureates one can find both newcomers and icons of world architecture — such as Norman Foster, Renzo Piano, BIG, Calatrava, and Diller.
-Peter Kuczia
initiator and curator of DEAwards
Inspiring Yearbook 2025
Each year, a beautifully printed Design Educates Awards Yearbook is published, showcasing the winning projects along with insightful commentary from a panel of esteemed jurors. The publication also features handwritten reflections from internationally renowned architects and thought-provoking articles exploring themes aligned with the competition's core idea: Design Educates.The richly illustrated layout is designed by Bartek Witkowski, an award-winning graphic designer, whose work gives the yearbook its distinctive and elegant character.All current laureates receive a complimentary copy of the yearbook. Additionally, attendees of the Design Educates Conference have the opportunity to receive a free copy after the awards ceremony – while supplies last.
Showcasing innovations
from around the world
Exhibition, recognizing outstanding architecture and design projects with educational and social impact, will be presented this year during the AiF Warsaw event in Warsaw, Poland. The awards gather participants from around 30 countries across 5 continents, highlighting the global reach and diversity of the competition. This prestigious international exhibition showcases projects that combine excellent design with educational value, storytelling, and the ability to influence behavior and perception. The event connects a worldwide creative community focused on meaningful design that educates and inspires.
