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GREEN LEARNING SPACES | RURAL SCHOOL DESIGN 2024

INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION

GREEN LEARNING SPACES | RURAL SCHOOL DESIGN 2024

RESULT

GREEN LEARNING SPACES | RURAL SCHOOL DESIGN 2024

Editorial reflection

Education is a powerful tool for change, and architecture plays a vital role in shaping the spaces where learning unfolds. The Green Learning Spaces – Rural School Design 2024 competition by Archiol Competitions has been a celebration of this belief—inviting architects and designers worldwide to rethink educational infrastructure in rural contexts with sustainability at its core.
This year’s challenge called for more than just buildings; it asked for visions—of schools that blend with nature, uplift communities, and inspire young minds. Participants were urged to create learning environments that are not only functional and resource-conscious but also nurturing, inclusive, and deeply rooted in their local landscapes.
As we announce the results, we honor the ingenuity and compassion reflected in the entries. Each proposal is a step toward a future where architecture serves as a bridge between education and environmental responsibility. We thank all participants for their commitment to designing a better, greener world for the next generation.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to showcase your creativity with Archiol Competitions.

Jurors:
Internal Team of 10 Jury members
External Jury Members:
1. Zhaoxiong Han
2. Ziyang Xu
3. Xinyue Geng

EXPERTS

Jury Panel

Distinguished architects from around the world evaluate submissions with rigorous professional standards and creative insight.

Zhaoxiong Han

Zhaoxiong Han

Xinyue​​​​ Geng

Xinyue​​​​ Geng

Ziyang Xu

Ziyang Xu

01  First Place

Winner

Zambia – School between districts

Natálie Jendrulková

Jury Critique

An impactful design that redefines the school as both infrastructure and social connector. The bridge concept, integrated with hydroelectric generation and passive cooling, is contextually grounded and technically robust—a resilient model for rural education in Zambia.

-Zhaoxiong Han

02  Second Place

Remarkable

Gathering around the ‘Tower’

Gu Yuxin, Deng Huzhou, Lv Murong & Du Yongjie

Jury Critique

An exemplary synthesis of local culture and advanced environmental design, this project turns sustainability into both a teaching mechanism and spiritual symbol. The fog-harvesting tower, passive cooling strategies, and water systems are seamlessly integrated with vernacular materials and biophilic planning. A deeply contextual and inspiring rural school.

-Zhaoxiong Han


This project offers an exemplary response to the environmental and social challenges of rural Senegal through a highly integrated sustainable design. The iconic fog-harvesting tower not only functions as a passive cooling and water management system but also resonates deeply with cultural identity, bridging survival and spirituality. An impressive project that balances a simple but strong concept with imaginative yet feasible design, all delivered through a compelling presentation.

-Xinyue Geng


cool project! which has a focus point and connection with all the program space.

-Ziyang Xu


03  Third Place

Exceptional

Roots of Knowledge: A Sustainable School for Tea Workers’ Children

Gull-E-Nurjahan Surma, Md. Sazid Bin Alam, Md. Shaban Mahamud & Farzana Aziz

Jury Critique

This project thoughtfully responds to the educational and environmental needs of a marginalized community. Its use of traditional materials and passive systems creates a culturally rooted, climatically adaptive learning environment. Strong spatial logic and clear social intent make this a compelling, contextually rich model for sustainable rural schools.

-Zhaoxiong Han


A thorough and comprehensive study and design—commendable and deserving of encouragement. The proposal shows strong contextual and cultural sensitivity, combining vernacular techniques with passive sustainability strategies. Its thoughtful spatial organization and clear implementation logic make it a socially impactful and highly feasible solution.

-Xinyue Geng


good drawings to communicate the concept, nice material selection

-Ziyang Xu

Special Mention

Exceptional

Gotjawal School

Donggeon Kim & Hoyeong Kim

Jury Critique

A beautifully grounded concept that reconnects children with nature. Through immersive environmental education and ecological healing, the design transforms learning into a shared act of stewardship and restoration. Poetic and purposeful.

-Zhaoxiong Han

Honourable Mention

Viet Nam Ta Ngao School

Jan Malý & Anna Bretterová

Jury Critique

This project blends seamlessly into the landscape while honoring local culture and climate. The elevated, organically shaped volumes echo rice terraces, and covered walkways unify function and experience. Its ecological systems are well-integrated and technically sound. A refined and contextually rich proposal.

- Zhaoxiong Han


good massing composition and nice choice of material

-Ziyang Xu

Honourable Mention

The Brick School: A Sustainable Educational Facility for Rajasthan

Hyomin Kang

Jury Critique

The Brick School presents a grounded, climate-resilient solution for rural Rajasthan. Its modular layout, earthen walls, and rainwater harvesting form a humble yet robust system—rooted in local materiality, designed for educational equity, and built for long-term sustainability.

-Zhaoxiong Han

Honourable Mention

The Leaf School

Evelyn Kozlov

Jury Critique

An impressive integration of reclaimed timber structure and spatial pedagogy. The Leaf Slab assembly system offers both technical and architectural richness, while flood resilience and learning adaptability strengthen its rural relevance.

-Zhaoxiong Han

Honourable Mention

Deep Green Learning School

Jieun Lim

Jury Critique

"A modular, agricultural-based school rooted in nature, fostering rural revitalization through education, sustainability, and community integration."

-Zhaoxiong Han

Honourable Mention

SANNJHI – ‘A Sky to Call Their Own’

Sneha Goel, Aman Raj, Sarthak Thakur & Khushi chaudhary

Jury Critique

The project’s iconic parametric roof is both spatially and symbolically compelling—transforming into a gathering ground, shading device, and cultural gesture. Its integration of earthen construction, bamboo cooling systems, and Ajrakh fabric panels reflects a deep sensitivity to materiality and climate. A poetic yet practical solution rooted in community identity.

-Zhaoxiong Han

Honourable Mention

Gyanavan

Pranav Rajput, Tanishka Vijay, Niraj Sonowal & Aaliya Sohail

Jury Critique

Rooted in the ethos of the Gurukul system, this school design uses a tree metaphor to weave together spatial hierarchy and cultural symbolism. Its climate-responsive strategies and modular planning foster a biophilic and future-ready learning environment.

-Zhaoxiong Han

Honourable Mention

Verdant Steps of Knowledge—A School Rooted in Farmland Rhythm

Zhang Zhonghua, Yang Sitong, Sun Tengxiao, Cao Jiahao

Honourable Mention

Where Bridges Converge: Learning Adrift in Timeless Currents

Dou Yangyang, Qiao Shan, Bao Xinxin, Nayirimotala

Honourable Mention

Nomadic School

Meng Lin, Guo Yuhan, Zhao Yaning, Yu Yiwen

Honourable Mention

Celebrating Potential

Shortlisted Entries

Innovative ideas that stood out among hundreds of entries and earned a place in the final shortlist.

1.Design Title: Drăguș village - Green Learning School
Winners Name: Strat Laura-Mihaela, Birtea Alexandra Nicoleta & Gheorghe Ana Maria Diana

2.Design Title: High School for Malawi
Winners Name: Jan Horáček

3.Design Title: Tangara Regional Rural School
Winners Name: Khalil Vasconcelos, João Henrique Soares da Silva & Leonardo Brício Correia da Silva

4.Design Title: Under Palm Trees – Rural School design
Winners Name: Charlotte Ivanová

5.Design Title: Sustainable Design Concept for Rural School in Palana, Rajasthan
Winners Name: Aaisha Zabira, Areeba Khan, Aisha Nawal & Jeshna Devi

6.Design Title: School – Architecture Design
Winners Name: Sanjana R, M. Rishi Varun, Mohammed Anas & Syed Mohammed Uzair

7.Design Title: Maryango Pre – Primary School
Winners Name: Dawoom Lee & Gayoung Park

8.Design Title: Onkur (The Seeding)
Winners Name: Wasif Ajwad, Adiba Zaman, Md Ashfak Nahin Chowdhury Mugdho & Ashfika Islam

9.Design Title: Rural School in Oaxxaca, Mexico
Winners Name: Fernanda Beirute

10.Design Title: Sustainable Rural School
Winners Name: Jervezz Tan, Mohamed Saiful Bin Mohamed Salleh, Chew E-Wei Hans

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