The International Green Product Awards ceremony was held at the Berlin Colosseum—a historic complex converted into a cultural space in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood—where the Architecture category award went to the AYMI Modular Habitat project by USACH researcher Cristian Fuenzalida Rozas.
A professional focused on industrialized architecture, modular systems, and prefabrication processes as a field of design exploration, Fuenzalida is a professor at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at the University of Santiago de Chile and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Built Habitat and Territory program at the Metropolitan Technological University.
“Receiving this international recognition is a source of immense satisfaction, especially given the high standard and global reach of the Green Product Award. Beyond the award itself, I see it as a sign that, through architecture, research, and teaching conducted in Chile, it is also possible to contribute to contemporary discussions on sustainability, innovation, and adaptive infrastructure,” said the professor.
He added, “I also believe that this prestigious award helps raise the global profile of academic research at USACH, strengthening the link between applied innovation, technological development, and sustainable architecture. In this context, AYMI also seeks to establish itself as a dedicated research and experimentation initiative under AYMI_LAB,” he emphasized.
Out of a total of 1,200 submissions from 54 countries, the best projects were recognized in 12 categories, including interior design, consumer goods, architecture, mobility, fashion, and new materials. Among the award-winning projects were established brands, innovative startups, and students from four continents.
Out of 1,200 international submissions from 54 countries, top projects earned recognition across 12 categories, including interior design, consumer goods, architecture, mobility, fashion, and new materials. Award-winning projects included established brands, innovative startups, and student creators representing four continents.
The competition was held under the theme “Shape what matters,” and the awards recognized outstanding sustainable products, concepts, and materials from around the world.
The expert jury that selected this sustainable innovation comprised leading professionals in architecture, design, and environmental science, including Uwe Melichar (Touch Design Ltd.), Professor Claus-Christian Eckhardt (Lund University), and Katja Keienburg (baby&junior).
“AYMI stood out for its modular, foldable architectural system. Its lightweight design and efficient material use allow for diverse temporary applications and creative possibilities. The scissor-folding mechanism ensures compact storage, simplifies transport logistics, and enables rapid assembly with minimal environmental impact. A reusable and compelling solution with strong potential for scalable circular architecture,” states the jury’s official evaluation.
About AYMI Modular Habitat
AYMI is a sustainable, modular architectural system designed for the rapid deployment of temporary and permanent emergency shelters, classrooms, and adaptable living spaces with minimal site impact.
The innovation stems from a reversible, foldable structure that enables modular assembly and continuous reconfiguration without permanent joints. The design prioritizes reuse, enables compact transport, and minimizes construction waste, offering a highly sustainable alternative to single-use infrastructure.
The system is protected by an industrial invention patent currently registered with INAPI.