“Embodying the principle of social equity and mutual existence” – Holcim Awards Jury

This project is commended for its innovative proposal for eco-construction systems and for demonstrating the possibility of bridging the gap between architectural research and practice. Of equal strength is the range of techniques and points of engagement rather than a singular approach.

Last updated: July 01, 2005 Shanghai, China

The project is substantiated by numerous experiments and research initiatives to test by application the appropriateness of the techniques proposed. Addressing challenges such as rapid population growth, decreasing supplies of natural resources, and environmental pollution, the scheme demonstrates awareness of both the gravity of such challenges – specifically in China – as well as the urgency of developing strategies for sustainable construction.

The project merits attention for its effort to embody the principle of social equity and mutual existence through the idea a “green community”. By incorporating the specific demands of local and regional planning mandates, the work also engages the interrelated themes of economic efficiency and ecological performance while utilizing nature itself as a prominent agent in the aesthetic expression of a new integrated community.