Three URV students win the second national architecture prize

Three students from the Rovira i Virgili University have won the second prize in the national phase of the Architecture Student Contest, a prestigious international sustainable architecture competition. This achievement places URV among the most outstanding universities in Spain in sustainable architectural design.

The contest, promoted by the Saint-Gobain firm, celebrates its 21st edition with a clear challenge: to design a sports and recreational center in Belgrade, integrating rehabilitation and sustainable mobility in the public space. The competition featured the participation of more than 2,800 students from 210 universities.

The challenge and URV’s proposal

What did the students have to design?

The participating teams had to design a sports and recreational center with lodging for athletes in a former cement factory by the Sava River, in the Serbian capital. Additionally, it was necessary to rehabilitate the local nautical club and integrate both actions into a sustainable public space, with special attention to pedestrian and cyclist mobility.

Characteristics of the URV project

The proposal from the team composed of Josep Cardona Garrido, Joan Pàfila, and Oumy Dieng bets on architecture sensitive to the landscape and climate. The project stands out for three platforms that combine environmental protection and utilization, guaranteeing user comfort and harmonious integration with the surroundings.

The contest and the jury’s evaluation

How was the project evaluated?

An expert jury analyzed the works according to criteria of architectural excellence, sustainability, technical solutions, circularity, energy efficiency, user well-being, and construction quality. This set of demands makes the contest a benchmark in sustainable construction.

Which teams stood out?

The national first prize went to the University of Alcalá de Henares, which will represent Spain in the international phase in Belgrade next June. Nevertheless, URV was very close with a proposal that was highly valued for its depth and innovation.

Contest data and participation

Size and scope of the contest

More than 2,800 students from 210 universities around the world participate in this contest that poses current challenges linked to sustainable construction. URV has managed to strongly position itself in this international event.

The value of sustainability in architecture

The contest, promoted by the Saint-Gobain group, focuses on sustainability as the backbone. This forces participants to think of solutions that minimize environmental impact and maximize user well-being, a pending issue in many real projects.

Finally, the work of the URV students demonstrates that environmental sensitivity and architectural rigor can go hand in hand to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible and useful.

Source of the article: Rovira i Virgili University