The Vessel Type Wetterbehear by Ruiting Xu

The Vessel Type Wetterbehear by Ruiting Xu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award yn Izer in Arsjitektuer, Gebou en Struktuerûntwerp Competition Category.

IzerArsjitektuer· 2025

The Vessel Type Wetterbehear

by Ruiting Xu

A' Design Award yn Izer Winner in Arsjitektuer Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #166076

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Colors

The Design

About The Vessel Type Wetterbehear

It Skiptype ûndersykt de yntegraasje fan arsjitektuer en ekology troch it ûntwerp fan in duorsume, skip-lykse struktuer. It ûntwerp reagearret op de útdagings fan seizoensdroechte en oerstreamingen troch it meitsjen fan in systeem foar wetteropslagk, filtraasje en distribúsje dat sawol minsklike as lânboukundige behoeften stipet. De struktuer funksjonearret as in beskermjende kausee en in mienskiplik sintrum, en befoarderet sosjale belutsenens en miljeu-ferantwurdlikens. It doel is om sawol as praktyske oplossing foar wetterbehear as as kultureel landmarks te tsjinjen, en wjerstannige ynfrastruktuer te leverjen foar de takomst fan 'e mienskip.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Izer

The Vessel Type Wetterbehear is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Izer, in prestisjeuze erkenning foar goede ûntwerpen dy't foldogge oan de profesjonele en yndustriële easken dy't ferwachte wurde fan goed ûntwurpen skeppings. Izerwinners litte grutte feardigens, hege spesjalisaasje, deskundich begryp en kreatyf fermogen fan har makkers sjen. Fan The Vessel Type Wetterbehear wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige heech achte, bewûndere en dierbere skepping is dy't praktysk en ynnovatyf is. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Izer yntegrearret de bêste praktiken fan de sektor en hat feardige technyske skaaimerken ferbûn mei kennis en talint. The Vessel Type Wetterbehear wurdt respektearre foar syn yngeandens en is ûntwurpen om ferbetteringen fan de kwaliteit fan it libben te leverjen dy't helpe de wrâld ta in bettere plak te meitsjen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The Vessel Type is an architectural solution that addresses the pressing environmental and social challenges faced by rural communities in Madagascar. Designed to respond to the region's vulnerability to seasonal droughts and flooding, this project combines innovative water management infrastructure with spaces for social and cultural engagement. It highlights the transformative role of architecture in fostering resilience, social equity, and sustainable development.
Dimensions & Packaging: The project incorporates a rainwater harvesting system that captures runoff during the wet season, storing it in a central filtration unit. The water is filtered using a rural submerged filter technique with sand and gravel, ensuring clean and potable water. The structure combines concrete for its durability in wet conditions and wood for flexibility and natural integration. The design also features adaptive spaces, with wood components replaceable over time, ensuring sustainability and longevity.
Tags: Sustainable Architecture, Rainwater Collection, Water Management, Environmental Design, Ecological Infrastructure, Social Equity, Drought-resistant Design, Flood Mitigation
Production Technology: The design process began by studying the climate challenges of the region, particularly water scarcity and seasonal flooding. The project uses concrete and wood. Concrete provides durability and resistance to constant water exposure, promoting enduring stability. Wood adds warmth, flexibility, and a natural aesthetic while integrating seamlessly with the landscape. Its use allows for easy replacement over time as part of the structure's life cycle, supporting the project's sustainability and adaptability.
Design Challenge: The hardest part of this design was creating a solution that balanced both the water needs and long-term sustainability for Ambalorao. The creative challenge lay in integrating water management with community spaces in a way that was both functional and culturally relevant. Obstacles included the limited availability of local data and understanding the social dynamics of the village. External factors, like access to materials, climate variability, and lack of technological infrastructure, further complicated the development, requiring innovative design solutions.
Research: This research explores how architecture can address water scarcity and flooding in Ambalorao. The objective is to design a structure that manages water while enhancing community life. The methodology includes studying local climate patterns, water access issues, and community needs through environmental analysis. The results show that a multi-functional water management system can improve access to clean water and foster social interaction. This approach can enhance villagers' lives, support sustainable agriculture, and inform future climate-adaptive solutions.
Inspiration: The inspiration for this project stemmed from the challenges faced by communities in Madagascar due to seasonal droughts and flooding. I sought to create a design that would provide a sustainable water supply while fostering social equity. The idea evolved from a combination of local environmental conditions and the need for infrastructure that also serves as a communal and cultural space. Research focused on water management techniques and eco-centric design principles.
Project Duration: Project Duration: Ongoing
Location: Ambalorao, Madagascar
Operation Flow: The Vessel Type is a structure that adapts to the changing seasons. In the wet season, it captures and filters rainwater, helping to prevent flooding while providing a safe path for the community. During the dry season, it becomes a water storage area, distributing water to people and supporting agriculture. The structure also transforms into a lively community space for events, bringing people together and improving their quality of life by providing reliable water and gathering spaces.