Sustainable construction in Asia Pacific also means building for the community. This was clearly shown by the projects that won prizes in the regional Holcim Awards presented in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The three main Awards winning projects deal with buildings for education – involving the community and sustainably improving neighborhoods.

The project began with a decision by the local community to invest in constructing a community hub instead of financing their annual festival – durable rather than temporary investment. The village is next to a large coal power plant that has impacted local health and economy. The building is a series of catenary arches out of concrete curving in different directions. An open-air structure, it is intended to be functionally vague to host varied activities. The use of fly ash is common as a partial substitute for cement. In this location, though, it takes on additional meaning through the conversion of industrial waste into structure.

Ethical standards and social inclusion – People

The project started from local’s wills to invest Power Development Funding in a city landmark instead of spending on an annual festival that did not benefit future generations. The environmentally friendly landmark will instead revitalize tourism; stimulate community economy by attracting visitors locally and internationally. The proposal passed through public hearing from members of village, municipal district and provincial levels leading to the approval within a year for new Power Development Funding with the supports of architect, community leader, government officer and Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate. The collaborative action expressed the solidarity among all parties, overcame conflicts between locals and power plant industry, leading to sustainable energy security of the nation.