Novotel and WWF France inspire student-led hospitality designs at Accor Design Awards in Paris

(NEWS) PARIS, 2025-Sep-08 — /Travel PR News/ — Accor has announced the winners of its 9th Accor Design Awards at the Maison&Objet fair in Paris, spotlighting the future of sustainable hospitality through the creativity of design students. This year’s competition challenged participants to redesign Novotel guestrooms in ways that reduce carbon footprints and support ocean conservation, aligning with the brand’s partnership with WWF France. More than 100 teams from 11 countries submitted entries, with ten finalists showcasing innovations such as using invasive seaweed for construction, integrating ocean plastic into furniture, and developing apps that reward eco-conscious guest choices.

The top prize went to “Polé, Polé,” a project by Coline Robilliart and Corentin Rolland from L’Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique, inspired by Tanzanian traditions. Their design combined rammed earth structures with modular furniture made from ocean waste, creating a space that connects cultural authenticity with environmental responsibility. Judges praised its inventive approach to hospitality that not only minimized environmental impact but also heightened guest engagement with nature and local communities.

Other awards included second and third place prizes, a Head Judges’ Prize, and a Public Choice Award, highlighting diverse approaches to sustainability across the competition. With judges representing Accor, WWF, and international design experts, the event underscored how sustainable design can merge creativity, feasibility, and meaningful impact. The initiative reflects Novotel’s broader three-year global collaboration with WWF France, which supports ocean restoration projects and embeds conservation practices into its 600+ hotels worldwide.

The Prize List:

• First Prize: Polé, Polé by Coline Robilliart and Corentin Rolland from L’Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique

• Second Prize: Chowa by Nora Chaumont and Fanny Monteyne from L’Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique

• Third Prize: Rosae by Erwan Loirat and Chloé Maudet from L’Ecole de design Nantes Atlantique

• Head Judges’ Prize: Algae by Juan Bueno and Rosalía Ordóñez from IED Istituto Europeo di Design Madrid

• Public Choice Award: Whispers of the Ocean by Camila Gonçalves and Andrea Felip from IED Istituto Europeo di Design Madrid

Last year, the 2024 Accor Design Awards focused on reimagining the future of luxury hospitality with Sofitel, attracting nearly 100 entries from students across 20 schools in eight countries. Chaired by renowned designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the jury recognized bold and visionary concepts that wove together sustainability, cultural identity, and refined guest experiences—from New York projects inspired by global travel and Chinese heritage to French and Australian proposals that celebrated nature, art de vivre, and local traditions. The winning ideas highlighted Accor’s commitment to fostering young talent and showcased how new design perspectives can influence the evolution of luxury hospitality.