The Snaptrude Design Challenge 2025 (SDC 2025) brought together architects, students, and professionals from across the world to imagine the next generation of learning environments.

This year’s theme "Design for the needs of 2035" asked participants to rethink how architecture can empower education, nurture community, and respond to the climate and technology of tomorrow.

Over hundreds of entries, five projects stood out for their originality, contextual intelligence, and clarity of vision. Here’s a closer look at the winning entries.

First Place: Navya Gurukul

Location: Patan, Gujarat, India

Highlights:

• Connects heritage with a future learning program.
• Deeply rooted in local climate, materials, and culture.
• Strong community integration and shared open spaces.
• Balances innovation with buildable, climate-responsive design.

Download Full Entry: Navya Gurukul Presentation

Second Place: Roots of Wisdom

Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

Highlights:

• Uses courtyards and voids as living, breathing classrooms.
• Grounded in vernacular wisdom and local craftsmanship.
• Strong passive design using natural light and airflow.
• Blends calmness, community, and climate intelligence.

Download Full Entry: Roots of Wisdom

Third Place: Gyaan Baoli

Location: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India

Highlights:

• Combines AI-driven farming, ecology, and architecture.
• Uses indigenous materials like sandstone for thermal comfort.
• Focuses on passive cooling, solar energy, and rainwater systems.
• Designed entirely on Snaptrude for real-time analysis and collaboration.

Download Full Entry: Gyaan Baoli – Agricultural Institute

Sustainability Award: Syracuse Resilience Project

Location: Syracuse, New York, USA

Highlights:

• AI-integrated design for performance and resilience.
• Renewable energy and adaptive environmental systems.
• Climate-positive campus model connecting learning with technology.
• A benchmark for sustainable, technology-led education.

Download Full Entry: Syracuse Resilience Project

Community Impact Award: OA Academy

Location: Accra, Ghana

Highlights:

• Circular masterplan symbolizing unity and growth.
• Integrates solar energy, water features, and lush landscapes.
• Celebrates cultural identity through modern expression.
• Architecture that connects sustainability with community spirit.

Download Full Entry: OA Academy

Key Takeaways

Across all winning entries, a shared vision emerged:

• Learning spaces that evolve with people and place.
• Architecture that teaches sustainability by design.
• Integration of AI and real-time modeling for better decision-making.
• A renewed commitment to context, culture, and climate.

Acknowledgment

Snaptrude extends heartfelt thanks to every participant who brought imagination, depth, and purpose to this year’s challenge.

The 2025 competition showcased how design can go beyond form, to create environments that shape the future of learning itself.

Stay tuned for detailed case studies, jury insights, and feature interviews with the winning teams on our blog and social channels.