I was honored to be selected as a finalist for the 2009 Earth Awards in New York, where I had the opportunity to present my project, Folded Bamboo + Paper House, and participate in the awards gala at the Four Seasons.
The Earth Awards brought together a diverse group of designers and innovators exploring ideas for a more sustainable future. It was especially meaningful to be part of a cohort invited to share work with leaders across design, engineering, and environmental fields, and to be interviewed during the event.
The selection committee and jury included an exceptional group of thinkers and practitioners—from architecture and design to science and policy—which made the experience both humbling and inspiring. I was particularly impressed by the breadth of perspectives represented.
Congratulations to Neri Oxman, whose project was named the winner that year.
Looking back, the experience was less about recognition and more about the exchange of ideas—an early moment that reinforced my interest in design experimentation that continues to shape my work today.
A prestigious and eclectic panel served on the 2009 Selection Committee, including: Paola Antonelli, Adam Bly, David Buckland, Antonio de la Rua, David de Rothschild, Nicky Gavron, Scott Hahn, Peter Head, Graham Hill, Dr. Dan Kammen, Yang Lan, Thom Mayne, Michael McDonough, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Barry Nalebuff, Sergio Palleroni, John Picard, Werner Sobek, Terry Tamminen, Suzanne Trocmé, Dilys Williams, and Dr. Kenneth Yeang.
Folded Bamboo House also won the First Place of Self-Sufficient Housing Competition.
