INNOVATIONS SUBMISSION

Curatorial selection

BIG SEE Innovations is a curatorial project focused on design, materials, technologies and systems for architects and a more sustainable built environment. The project maps innovation through the key layers of contemporary architectural practice. At a time marked by climate pressure, limited resources, economic uncertainty and rapidly evolving technologies, innovation cannot be reduced to novelty. It must be examined critically, applied thoughtfully and tested through real architectural use. The project highlights solutions embedded in actual buildings, where their performance and long term value can be assessed in context. For architects, this offers a clearer way to navigate innovation. For investors, it helps identify solutions that are not only new, but truly worth building with.

Categories

Facades, envelopes, the building’s external identity facade systems, ventilated facades materials (wood, ceramics, metal, composites, stone), shading systems, brise-soleils, external membranes, photovoltaic facades, “smart skin” systems substructures, anchoring systems, junction details fire-resistant and acoustic envelope solutions

Structure, load-bearing and construction systems, structural systems (steel, timber, concrete, hybrids), CLT, glulam, mass timber, prefabrication modular construction, volumetric modules seismic safety, reinforcements, connections facade-structural hybrids, load-bearing envelopes special systems: lightweight roofs, long spans, cantilevers

Materiality as an architectural language, interior and exterior cladding (wood, stone, ceramics, metals, composites), innovative and bio-based materials, recycled materials, low-impact materials coatings, protection systems, patinas, surface treatments, acoustic and tactile surfaces, systems where the material also performs a function (hygiene, acoustics, fire safety)

Light, view, the boundary between inside and outside windows, doors, sliding systems, folding walls glazing: triple glazing, acoustic, fire-rated, safety glazing profiles (aluminium, wood-aluminium, PVC, steel) shading, roller shutters, screens, integrated systems
sealing, junction details, window sills, installation systems energy efficiency, airtightness, passive houses

Interior architecture – not just decoration, built-in systems (wardrobes, niches, passages, concealed elements), architectural walls, ceilings, floor systems, stairs, railings, custom-built fitted furniture, acoustic systems in architectural integration
fire, service, and technical integrations without “visual noise”

Light as an architectural tool, architectural lighting fixtures (linear, downlight, track, wallwash, custom), control systems (DALI, scenes, human-centric), integrated lighting (ceilings, niches, furniture, facades), outdoor architectural lighting, lighting calculations, simulations, lighting protocols

Comfort, climate, spatial health, heating/cooling (floor, wall, ceiling, VRF, heat pumps), ventilation, heat recovery, filtration
acoustics (absorption, insulation, systems), sensors, air quality monitoring, solutions for low-energy and passive buildings

Water as an architectural experience, sanitary equipment and systems (toilets, washbasins, fittings), showers, wellness, spa solutions
concealed in-wall systems, installation walls, sustainable water use, water saving, smart fittings, hotel, public, and healthcare programes

The outdoors as part of architecture, urban elements (benches, bins, lighting, canopies, pavilions), paving, curbs, drainage systems
green solutions (tree pits, substrates, greening systems), outdoor equipment for terraces, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, durable systems for public space (anti-vandal, serviceable)

Digital, smart, meaningful, smart buildings (BMS, IoT, energy management), digital design tools (BIM, parametric design, AI support)
digital twins, monitoring, analytics automation, security, access, “smart home” (within architectural culture), interoperability standards, integrations

Application Form

Do not forget to submit up to 3 photographs of your product in high resolution, at least one in landscape format. Images will be used for exhibition and web publication, so please ensure they reflect the product’s quality. The form must be completed in English.

Innovations prijava - free

DATA ABOUT THE ENTRANT:

As it will be published

INNOVATION DETAILS

Product

I will send high-resolution images (project images and portrait of author(s)):
Please send 3 high-resolution images (minimum 2500 px on the longer side) of your submitted innovation once the form has been completed. At least one photo must be landscape format.

PARTICIPATION ON THE BIG SEE FESTIVAL

Will you attend the BIG SEE Festival in Portorož - May 21 & 22, 2026? (free of charge)
Are you interested in additional exposure during the BIG SEE 2026 event? (Payable option)
Are you interested in additional exposure on the BIG SEE website? (Payable option)