INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION
RURAL READINGSCAPE
LIBRARY DESIGN 2024
RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT!
FOREWORD
We are thrilled to announce the results of the Rural Readingscape - Library Design 2024 Competition, a global platform that brought together architects, designers, and visionaries from around the world to reimagine the concept of a rural library. Hosted by Archiol Competitions, this competition sought to inspire designs that transcend the traditional image of a library, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub that seamlessly blends with its rural surroundings.
The response to this competition has been nothing short of remarkable. Participants from diverse backgrounds embraced the challenge with creativity and innovation, presenting designs that not only catered to functional requirements but also celebrated the essence of rural life. Each submission was a testament to the power of design in enhancing community connections, promoting learning, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Our esteemed panel of judges, comprising experts from the fields of architecture, design, and sustainable development, meticulously reviewed each entry based on criteria such as design innovation, contextual integration, sustainability, and user experience. The jury's task was both inspiring and challenging, given the exceptional quality and diversity of the submissions.
Today, we proudly unveil the winners whose designs stood out for their visionary approach, architectural brilliance, and dedication to creating meaningful spaces that uplift communities. These designs are not just architectural marvels but also symbols of knowledge, inspiration, and cultural growth.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their exceptional efforts and to our esteemed jury members for their invaluable insights. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you for being part of the Rural Readingscape journey.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to showcase your creativity with Archiol Competitions.
Jurors:
Internal Team of 10 Jury members
External Jury Members:
1. Yujin Cao
2. Xinyu Yan
Xinyu Yan
Yujin Cao
TOP 3
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Alina Grechkova
SECOND PLACE WINNER
Samuel Hardwicke-Brown
THIRD PLACE WINNER
Kinga Gałązka & Martyna Ćwiąkała
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
Rural library in the village of Kratovo
Alina Grechkova
Alina’s work stood out for its mature design sensibility and innovative integration of geometry with spatial experience. The clarity of her graphics, attention to materiality, and thoughtful detailing all speak to a high level of craft and intention. Her project demonstrates both technical strength and a compelling design vision.
-Yujin Cao
"1.Strong connection to the natural environment.
2.Integration of local vernacular elements.
3.Variety of flexible and adaptable spaces.
4.Contemporary and innovative design."
- Xinyu Yan
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
Bridging the Gap: A catalyst for adaptive reuse and cultural enrichment
Samuel Hardwicke-Brown
This work demonstrates a bold and innovative design gesture, thoughtfully integrating compelling technical details and a strong conceptual narrative. The representation is particularly impressive—featuring beautiful interior renderings, precise technical drawings, and well-crafted physical models that together convey a clear and refined design vision.
-Yujin Cao
"1. Simple geometry design but interesting idea
2. Unique user experience in such unusal location for a library
3. Clear interior circulation and space layout
4.Great visual presentation"
-Xinyu Yan
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
“CHŁOPI”
Kinga Gałązka & Martyna Ćwiąkała
This project stands out for its compelling narrative and the way it translates story into space with clarity and elegance. The spatial composition is both beautiful and purposeful, reflecting a deep understanding of form, light, and experience. Its circulation strategy is especially brilliant—guiding movement in a way that feels intuitive and immersive. The strength of the representation, from evocative drawings to carefully composed renderings, further elevates the work, demonstrating a high level of design maturity. Together, these elements create a cohesive and memorable architectural vision.
-Yujin Cao
"1. Very unique and interesting storytelling
2. Succesfully explained the concept by the design
3. Beautiful visual presentation"
-Xinyu Yan
SPECIAL MENTION
Kratovo Library Design
Mariia Ovtina
This project showcases a clever and sophisticated integration of geometry into its overall design language, creating a formal language that feels both intentional and expressive. It reflects a deep understanding of form, light, and spatial experience—each element thoughtfully composed to enhance the user’s journey through the space. The interplay of geometric rigor and spatial sensitivity results in a design that is both conceptually strong and experientially rich.
-Yujin Cao
"1. Smart use of water, inviting users coming from different direction
2. Great integration of local landscape
3. Clear visual presentation
4. Different scale of space distributed coherently in the building."
-Xinyu Yan
HONOURABLE MENTION
MECHA
Agnieszka Glama
An outstanding example of adaptive reuse, this project beautifully balances preservation with innovation. It offers an incredible spatial experience while honoring the history and integrity of the original building. The design not only respects the past but also reactivates it—inviting new narratives and perspectives to emerge. Its sensitivity to context, coupled with a compelling reinterpretation of space, makes it both meaningful and memorable.
-Yujin Cao
HONOURABLE MENTION
Galipán Edge Library
Gabriela Ascanio & Gneiss Aramburu
This project cleverly incorporates landform as an integral part of the design, blurring the boundaries between architecture and landscape. Organic shapes are thoughtfully realized through a rational structural system and well-considered spatial elements, demonstrating both creativity and technical finesse. The result is a playful yet grounded design that invites exploration and offers a unique, engaging experience.
-Yujin Cao
HONOURABLE MENTION
Open Book Library
Julia Pieszur, Aleksandra Nowińska, Martyna Mielczarek & Jan Kubec
This project offers an amazing spatial experience, shaped by a thoughtful plan layout and well-resolved spatial organization. Each space flows naturally into the next, creating a sense of coherence and intentionality throughout. The interior renderings are beautifully executed, capturing atmosphere, materiality, and light with great sensitivity, further enhancing the overall design vision.
-Yujin Cao
HONOURABLE MENTION
Șezătoare
Maria Statescu, Stefania Bigiu & Diana Toma
This project presents a beautiful integration of geometric form into a cohesive and expressive design language. It thoughtfully respects cultural and historical context, grounding the architecture in a rich narrative framework. The spatial experience is immersive and well-articulated, with each moment carefully crafted.
-Yujin Cao
HONOURABLE MENTION
Village library
Anastasia Murzova
This project delivers a fun and engaging spatial experience, guided by a smart and efficient layout. The design thoughtfully frames views, creating dynamic visual connections both within the space and to its surroundings. Each area feels intentional and connected, resulting in a vibrant and cohesive architectural journey.
-Yujin Cao
SHORTLISTED ENTRIES
1.Design Title: The Reading Spine: Knowledge and Nature Intertwined
Winners Name: Hilal Bulut, Gökhan Uslu
2.Design Title: Dawn Grove
Winners Name: Anastasia Nisredova, Aidemir Nisredov, Daniil Sergeev
3.Design Title: The source
Winners Name: Yuxin Pan
4.Design Title: Rotonda of Learning
Winners Name: Sofia Shlemskaia
5.Design Title: Lemko Tales: A literary haven by the river
Winners Name: Zlata Hrabtsevich, Kamila Przytuła
6.Design Title: Yamato Toshokan – A Rural Library in Kyoto, Japan
Winners Name: Dhruv Gupta, Gourab Das, Ishita Patil & Vaishnavi Chindarkar
7.Design Title: VOYEU - Rural Readingscape
Winners Name: Marianna Lewandowska
8.Design Title: Nomads Lore
Winners Name: Emine Kök
9.Design Title: Rural Readingscape
Winners Name: Ekaterina Pokamestova
10.Design Title: Library in Kratovo
Winners Name: Ksenia Lvova
11.Design Title: Infinite Library
Winners Name: Kenneth Amador, Anthony Barney
12.Design Title: Inside-Out
Winners Name: Sofia Naumova
13.Design Title: Vidyavanam
Winners Name: Sujal Kakkar, Ankesh Bishnoi, Nivedita Garkoti & Aastha Sahu
14.Design Title: The Cascade of Knowledge - Bellefonte Public Library
Winners Name: Gavin Device
15.Design Title: Rural Library in village Kratovo, Moscow region
Winners Name: Sofia Khovaiko
16.Design Title: Hanhegou Village international library
Winners Name: Hongxiang Li, Yuanxiang Wu, Weizheng Lv & Zihan Liu
17.Design Title: Terranova Library
Winners Name: Jade Figueroa, Kamila Melendez
18.Design Title: The Hideaway Library
Winners Name: Anhelina Stasiuk
19.Design Title: The Archieve of Hands
Winners Name: Sıla Sert
20.Design Title: The Library on the Path
Winners Name: Juan Cantero, Giorgio Della Grazia
21.Design Title: Madhuvana – "The Honeyed Grove of Knowledge"
Winners Name: Venkata Kutumba Kunti Yasaswini Munnaluri, Nitta Swapna, Podduturi Gouri Trinaya & Keerni Thanusree
22.Design Title: Rural Readingscape
Winners Name: Simon Guťan
23.Design Title: Cultural Kaleidoscope
Winners Name: Selin Sayın
24.Design Title: Cultural Stop
Winners Name: Yaren Miray Karagöl
25.Design Title: The rural library
Winners Name: Daria Bakum
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