The Vessel Type Njikwa Mmiri by Ruiting Xu

The Vessel Type Njikwa Mmiri by Ruiting Xu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe in Nhazi Ụlọ Owu, Ụlọ na Ihe Owuwu Competition Category.

IgweỤlọ Owu· 2025

The Vessel Type Njikwa Mmiri

by Ruiting Xu

Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe Winner in Ụlọ Owu Category

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The Design

About The Vessel Type Njikwa Mmiri

Ụdị Arịa a na-enyocha njikọta nke ụlọ na gburugburu ebe obibi site n'ịmepụta ihe owuwu na-adịgide adịgide nke yiri arịa. Atụmatụ a na-aza nsogbu ọkọchị oge na ide mmiri site n'ịmepụta usoro nchekwa mmiri, nzacha, na nkesa nke na-akwado mkpa mmadụ na ọrụ ugbo. Ihe owuwu a na-arụ ọrụ dị ka ụzọ nchedo na ebe nzukọ obodo, na-akwalite mmekọrịta mmadụ na mmadụ na ọrụ maka gburugburu ebe obibi. Ọ bu n'obi ịrụ ọrụ dị ka ihe ngwọta bara uru maka njikwa mmiri nakwa akara omenala, na-enye akụrụngwa siri ike maka ọdịnihu obodo.

The Recognition

About the Ihe Nrite A' Design Award nke Igwe

The Vessel Type Njikwa Mmiri meriri A' Design Award nke Igwe, nnabata dị ugwu e nyere design ndị dị mma nke na-emezu ihe ndị a chọrọ n'ọrụ na ụlọ ọrụ nke a na-atụ anya n'ihe e kere eke ndị e mere nke ọma. Ndị meriri na Igwe na-egosi nka buru ibu, ọkachamara dị elu, nghọta ọkachamara na ikike imepụta nke ndị kere ha. A na-atụ anya na The Vessel Type Njikwa Mmiri ga-abụ ihe e kere eke a na-asọpụrụ nke ukwuu, a na-eto na a hụrụ n'anya nke bụ ihe bara uru ma dị ọhụrụ. Design a meriri A' Design Award nke Igwe na-ejikọta ụzọ kacha mma nke ụlọ ọrụ ma nwee àgwà teknụzụ kwesịrị ekwesị jikọtara na ihe ọmụma na talent. A na-asọpụrụ The Vessel Type Njikwa Mmiri maka nlezianya ya ma e mere ya ka ọ nye mmeziwanye ndụ nke na-enyere aka ime ka ụwa bụrụ ebe ka mma.

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.