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The Vessel Type Upravljanje vodama by Ruiting Xu

The Vessel Type Upravljanje vodama by Ruiting Xu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Željezna nagrada A' Design Award in Dizajn Arhitekture, Zgrada i Konstrukcija Competition Category.


ŽeljezoArhitektura· 2025

The Vessel Type Upravljanje vodama

by Ruiting Xu

Željezna nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Arhitektura Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #166076

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The Design

About The Vessel Type Upravljanje vodama

Vessel Type istražuje integraciju arhitekture i ekologije kroz dizajn održive strukture nalik posudi. Dizajn odgovara na izazove sezonske suše i poplava stvaranjem sustava za skladištenje, filtraciju i distribuciju vode koji podupire ljudske i poljoprivredne potrebe. Struktura funkcionira kao zaštitni nasip i zajedničko središte, potičući društveni angažman i ekološku odgovornost. Njezin je cilj služiti kao praktično rješenje za upravljanje vodama i kao kulturna znamenitost, pružajući otpornu infrastrukturu za budućnost zajednice.

The Recognition

About the Željezna nagrada A' Design Award

The Vessel Type Upravljanje vodama je pobjednik Željezne nagrade A' Design Award, prestižnog priznanja koje se dodjeljuje dobrim dizajnima što ispunjavaju profesionalne i industrijske zahtjeve očekivane od dobro dizajniranih kreacija. Željezni pobjednici pokazuju veliku vještinu, visoku specijalizaciju, stručno razumijevanje i kreativne kapacitete svojih stvaratelja. Očekuje se da The Vessel Type Upravljanje vodama bude visoko cijenjena, voljena i njegovana kreacija koja je praktična i inovativna. Ovaj dizajn koji je osvojio Željeznu nagradu A' Design Award integrira najbolje industrijske prakse i ima kompetentne tehničke karakteristike povezane sa znanjem i talentom. The Vessel Type Upravljanje vodama se poštuje zbog svoje temeljitosti i dizajniran je da pruži poboljšanja kvalitete života koja pomažu da svijet postane bolje mjesto.

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.

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