The Influencer in the 2022 INDE.Awards is a singular and powerful category. It acknowledges the potential of innovation in architecture and design and showcases the tangible results of those who create for a better world.

The Influencer category represents projects and products that, through their grass roots sustainability, hope to change our world for the better. This is architecture and design that impacts not only our region but the world at large to really make a difference. This year, the shortlist for The Influencer includes a diverse range of projects and products and each is progressive and sustainable to become a model to influence others.

As supporter of The Influencer, Steelcase understands all these ideas, incorporating sustainability in its ethos and planning for a better future. Steelcase is committed to the wellbeing of the environment and this is integral to its business and all that it does. Sponsoring The Influencer is a way of championing a new and profound pathway for the future and so the synergy between sponsor and category is resolute.

Reflecting on the shortlist of The Influencer this year, Samantha Giam, Vice President, Marketing, Steelcase Asia Pacific remarks that, “There is yet to be a distinct trend of how Covid impacts on consumer and contract user behaviours.” This is true, as at the grassroots level there has always been the same challenges of resources, finance and commitment.

And while sustainable initiatives are key to each of The Influencer shortlist, it is the surprising breadth of innovation that makes each project and product a standout.

Asked if there was a favourite project in the shortlist Giam says, “BillionBricks Home. Achieving carbon neutrality on its own in six years?! Does that need more words? Beyond that, it will be carbon negative independently….how might we think buildings, interiors and longevity of projects that achieve this goal as an industry?”

Food for thought that’s for certain, but then The Influencer category is the essence of clever thinking and with such an important category, the shortlist in 2022 helps pave the way to bring recognition to design that changes lives and helps care for the planet.

Understanding the values of the category, Giam says, ” The Influencer award is in many ways the most important award, as it’s an outlier signal to how might we rethink the power of place and space.” Succinctly and accurately put.

While we are all looking forward to gathering together in Melbourne on 4th August for the gala party, the announcement of the category winner of The Influencer will be a moment where we will see architecture and design shine. It will be a time when future-thinking design, developed to ensure a more sustainable future, is showcased. As Giam says, the event will be “an acknowledgement that creatives can help better work, life and the planet.”

And after all, great and sustainable design enhances living to embrace the future creating a better world for everyone.

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The Influencer

Proudly partnered by Steelcase

ANZ Breathe
Breathe
Australia

BillionBricks Home
BillionBricks Homes with Architecture BRIO
India

The Cobargo Santa Project
Breathe
Australia

HARMAY Fang
AIM Architecture
China

Gurriny Yealamucka Health and Wellbeing Centre
POD (People Oriented Design) with Coburn Architecture
Australia

Mohalla Clinics
Architecture Discipline
India

MPavilion 2021 – The Lightcatcher
MAP Studio
Australia

Nyul Nyul Community Packing Sheds
SJB, Promena, Van der Meer Consulting, The Orana Foundation and Bruno Dann
Australia

Permanent Camping 2
Casey Brown Architecture with Jeffery Broadfield
Australia

pond[er]
Taylor Knights collaborating with Dr. James Carey
Australia

Two Good Co – Ocean Plastic Soap Dispenser
Two Good Co, Vert Design, Charter Hall
Australia

The Upcycling Hub
AirLab SUTD
Singapore

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The INDE.Awards will be announced at the annual Gala ceremony on Thursday August 4th. Register now to join the live stream.

AND

Discover the knowledge that powers the awards at the INDE.Summit, which brings a full day of industry experts together to discuss the topics influencing regional architecture and design. Get your ticket now.