After 18 days of hard work, the 2019 UIA-CBC (the International Union of Architects and China Building Center) International Colleges and Universities Competitive Construction Workshop came to an end with a closing ceremony on Sunday at Siyang county in East China's Jiangsu Province. The top winners of the competition were also announced at the ceremony. 

On August 1, 15 teams made up of students from home and abroad made their way to Aiyuan, a village known for its century-old pear orchard, in Siyang county, to implement designs aimed at improving the quality of life of residents there. The three winners were the Kunming University of Science and Technology+Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava team, the South China University of Technology+Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia team and the Southeast University +Politecnico di Torino team.

Wedge in Motion

The work by the Kunming University of Science and Technology+Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava team was called Wedge in Motion. Based on the concept of minimalist space organization, the team created a multifunctional cabin. Using moveable structures, the cabin can be transformed into a camp house, guest lobby, bar, working space and more for different groups of people like famers, backpackers or children. 

Wedge in Motion by Kunming University of Science and Technology and Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava Photo: Courtesy of China Building Center

The Bamboo Huts

The Bamboo Huts by South China University of Technology and Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia were constructed using concrete plates and bamboo to create the image of an old tree in the village, where people would rest and socialize with each other in the past. 

The space is designed to host social events for locals like gatherings and dances, or serve as a playground for children. It can also be used for exhibitions and trading. Moreover, the team chose the materials and construction techniques that were easily accessible to villagers. After some basic training, the villagers joined the team and took part in the construction of the huts as well. 

The Bamboo Huts by South China University of Technology and Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia Photo: Courtesy of South China University of Technology and Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia

Beyond Module



Beyond Module by the team from Southeast University and Politecnico di Torino picked a convenient location at the pear orchard - right near the entrance. Its modular structure creates sufficient storage space, which can be used to store fruit meant to be sold to visitors. It is also close to a river, so people who go fishing can have a rest while enjoying the serene scenery at the cabin. 

Beyond Module by Southeast University and Politecnico di Torino Photo: Courtesy of Southeast University and Politecnico di Torino

Aside from the three winners, each work by the other teams has its own special highlights as well. According to the participants, the experience was more than just a design competition. 

"18 tough days in Aiyuan, challenging but absolutely worth the effort! 24 hours later, as I wait to board my flight, I still feel the fatigue and the stress, but I am in peace and contemplating. We received an award but the reception of our project by the Aiyuan people was the greatest reward; the smiles of these kids touched our souls. We made friends, established partnerships, and we leave with our baggage's full of memories, experience, and valuable feedback for future endeavors," Konstantinos Kostopoulos, an assistant professor at the National Technical University of Athens whose team worked with the China Academy of Art, wrote in a WeChat post before leaving for Athens. 

Pear-Spective by China Academy of Art and National Technology University of Athens Photo: Courtesy of Wu Qingshan

A Pear Tea House on the Water Bank by Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology and Politecnico di Milano Encounters Photo: Courtesy of Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology and Politecnico di Milano Encounters

Judges for the workshop evaluate Pyrus pyrifolia by Central South University and University Of Michigan. Photo: Courtesy of China Building Center

Bench Theater by Soochow University and City University of Macau Photo: Courtesy of Soochow University and City University of Macau

 

Lie Between by Tsinghua University and University of Ljubljana Photo: Courtesy of Tsinghua University and University of Ljubljana