As the source of almost 40% of the world's carbon emissions, pivoting building and construction towards sustainability presents an opportunity to cut emissions, reduce resource use, and improve public health. Key to this transformation will be the next generation of engineers, architects, builders, and innovators.
Heeding the call, college students from around the world are taking part in a global competition to create ‘healthy, comfortable and beautiful buildings with bio-based, eco-friendly materials and technologies.'
The First International Competition on Modern Bamboo Structure Building Design will evaluate designs for a two-story building in a village in Zhejiang Province, China, made from engineered bamboo and other biomass, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly materials, and will be judged based on proposed materials, energy savings, and water and wastewater systems.
According to the organizers, the purpose of the design competition is to enhance college students’ knowledge and understanding of the architectural characteristics of engineered bamboo and modern bamboo structures, and encourage their innovation motivation to use engineered bamboo for creative design.
In addition to architectural and structural design plans, teams are encouraged to consider and put forward suggestions that can guide a simple and low-carbon lifestyle.
Bamboo is not only a fast-growing, valuable building material but can also be used to restore degraded lands and reverse desertification. By planning and designing sustainable infrastructure that uses nature-positive technologies and construction materials, such as engineered bamboo, local and national governments can revitalize communities while safeguarding the planet.
Winners will be announced on 1 May 2022. The winning works will have the opportunity to participate in the implementation of a village reconstruction project.