Mangesh Kurund, an alumnus of the Bio-Integrated Design (Bio-ID) programme at The Bartlett School of Architecture, has been named one of six innovators chosen for the Creatives for Our Future 2025 programme by the Swarovski Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships.
Each year, I am inspired by the remarkable creativity and vision of these young innovators. Their groundbreaking solutions demonstrate the transformative power of creativity in tackling global challenges. Through the Creatives for Our Future programme, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, providing them with the tools, education and support needed to turn their ideas into impactful solutions.
Selected from nearly 500 applicants worldwide, the programme recognises emerging designers and researchers advancing sustainability across architecture, fashion, circular design, community development, product innovation and technology. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative provides recipients with a €20,000 grant, professional mentorship and a year of tailored support to accelerate their work.
Supporting young people with the tools to create a sustainable world is more important than ever. They bring fresh ideas, hope, and drive change for a better future. We are proud to support these innovators grow their projects and work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the programme launch, Mangesh was invited to New York, where the award was announced at the United Nations Headquarters. During the event, co-hosted by the Swarovski Foundation and the UN Office for Partnerships, he presented his winning project, Bio-Integrated Cladding for Greener Cities. The project proposes a system of lightweight tiles embedded with micro-reservoirs that support the growth of algae and moss. Inspired by natural water management processes, the living cladding offers multiple environmental benefits – including air purification, carbon sequestration and urban heat reduction – contributing to the development of greener and more resilient cities.
I am truly grateful for the foundation of the Bio-ID programme, especially for the support of Prof Marcos Cruz and Dr Brenda Parker in their role as Programme Directors, as well as Anete Salmane, Dr Shneel Malik, Dr Nina Jotanovic, Dr Andreas Koerner and Javier Ruiz, along with all my other tutors in Bio-ID, in shaping my design approach. I am also grateful to Prantar Mahanta Tamuli for his guidance and mentorship during my time at The Bartlett.
Mangesh’s project builds on the knowledge and ethos he developed during his studies and represents a new departure into his ongoing research on bio-receptive materials and urban greening systems.
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Image credit: Mangesh Madhuar Kurund, Project Bio-Clads, Creatives for Our Future 2025.