
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
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
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
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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