The Vessel Type Waterbeheer by Ruiting Xu

The Vessel Type Waterbeheer by Ruiting Xu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in IJzer in Architectuur, Gebouwen en Constructieontwerp Competition Category.

IJzerArchitectuur· 2025

The Vessel Type Waterbeheer

by Ruiting Xu

A' Design Award in IJzer Winner in Architectuur Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About The Vessel Type Waterbeheer

The Vessel Type verkent de integratie van architectuur en ecologie door middel van het ontwerp van een duurzame, vaatvormige structuur. Het ontwerp beantwoordt seizoensgebonden droogte- en overstromingsuitdagingen door het creëren van een wateropslag-, filtratie- en distributiesysteem dat zowel menselijke als landbouwbehoeften ondersteunt. De structuur functioneert als een beschermende verhoogde weg en een gemeenschappelijk knooppunt, en bevordert sociale betrokkenheid en milieubewustzijn. Het beoogt te dienen als zowel een praktische oplossing voor waterbeheer als een cultureel landmark, en biedt veerkrachtige infrastructuur voor de toekomst van de gemeenschap.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in IJzer

The Vessel Type Waterbeheer is winnaar van de A' Design Award in IJzer, een prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan goede ontwerpen die voldoen aan de professionele en industriële eisen die worden verwacht van goed ontworpen creaties. Winnaars in IJzer tonen grote vaardigheid, hoge specialisatie, deskundig inzicht en het creatieve vermogen van hun makers. The Vessel Type Waterbeheer wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerde, bewonderde en gekoesterde creatie te zijn die praktisch en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in IJzer heeft gewonnen, integreert de beste praktijken uit de sector en heeft bekwame technische kenmerken die verbonden zijn met knowhow en talent. The Vessel Type Waterbeheer wordt gerespecteerd om zijn grondigheid en is ontworpen om verbeteringen van de levenskwaliteit te bieden die helpen de wereld een betere plek te maken.

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.