USD 220,000 in prize money was presented to the best submissions from Asia Pacific in the Holcim Awards competition for sustainable construction projects. The competition run by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction in collaboration with five of the world’s leading technical universities aims to promote sustainable approaches to the built environment.

The project is credited for its awareness of social dynamics and concomitant transformations in lifestyles brought about by increasing urbanization and densification. Although based upon research of traditional housing typologies, the project is widely applicable to other regions facing similar challenges.

Another project from China engages directly with the theme of aging populations. Special attention is given to accommodating the needs of elderly inhabitants with high quality dwellings. The work is merited for its sensitivity to social dynamics and transformations in lifestyles brought about by increasing urbanization and densification.