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The “One University One Village” (1U1V) team from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s School of Architecture has won the Gold Award in the Humanitarian category and the distinguished title of Emerging Practice of the Year Grand Prix Winner at the World Architecture News (WAN) Awards 2024. The recognition, which came on the heels of the team’s previous success at the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) Awards, underscores its innovative rural reconstruction model, which integrates sustainable design, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

Humanitarian approach to rural development

The 1U1V team adopted a “local technology, local materials, local labour” design and construction methodology for its innovative approach to rural development in Dahei New Village, a mountainous region near Kunming, China. The team applied cutting-edge rammed earth technology to build the “Gongfang” (community hall), earning high recognitions from villagers and local authorities.

The Gongfang serves as a vital public space for weddings, funerals, festivals, and ceremonies. The original structure, compromised by foundation settlement, prompted the 1U1V team to rebuild it using sustainable, locally sourced materials and advanced rammed earth techniques without cement. The new Gongfang features a laminated bamboo roof, providing ample span, natural daylight, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Its spacious interior ensures comfort and safety for large gatherings, while passive design elements—natural lighting, ventilation, and thermal mass—significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The 1U1V team also trained local villagers, empowering them to master the construction techniques and build a safer, more comfortable Gongfang. Led by a women’s construction team, villagers collaborated to share skills and foster confidence.

Judges of the WAN Awards praised the initiative for addressing the “love and belonging needs, esteem needs and self-actualisation needs” of the community, highlighting its profound social impact.

Professor Edward Ng, Yao Ling Sun Professor of Architecture at CUHK, the visionary behind the project, said: “This recognition underscores the vital role that universities can play in leading professional practice for the future. By bridging academic research with community needs, we can develop innovative solutions that empower local populations and preserve cultural heritage. Our work in Dahei New Village demonstrates how universities can be at the forefront of sustainable development, fostering a new generation of practitioners committed to social equity and environmental stewardship.”

The WAN Awards celebrate groundbreaking architecture on an international stage, with categories ranging from residential and commercial to cultural and sustainable design. The awards are recognised as one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.