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Curved Scales and Cement Mortar in a Flood Resilient Educational Space

Authors:
Sijie Wang, Fan Ni, Bo Chen, Jianyu Ma
Curved Scales and Cement Mortar in a Flood Resilient Educational Space
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Curved scales reflect the local dragon mythology while robust cement mortar and gutter tile address flooding concerns in a library designed for educational engagement and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved design elements reflect the local dragon mythology.
02
Cement mortar enhances structural integrity while addressing flooding issues.
03
Gutter tile is integrated for efficient water management.
04
Layout promotes interaction and collaboration among users.
05
Located within Xiangyang Middle School, connecting education and community.

The Flying Dragon Library, located in Xiangyang Middle School in Santai County, serves as a response to both educational needs and cultural heritage. It reflects the community's identity while addressing the demands of a growing urban environment. With a design inspired by the symbolism of dragons, the library aims to create an engaging space for students and teachers alike.

Cultural Integration

The library draws from local beliefs about dragons. The flood dragon symbolizes strength and change, which influences the overall design concept. The building's shape incorporates fluid lines that represent the movements of dragons, establishing a strong connection to the region’s cultural stories. This aspect brings a sense of identity and significance to the space.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the library's layout encourages interaction among users. Classrooms and study areas are arranged to enhance collaboration. Spaces are designed for both individual study and group activities, fostering community among students and teachers. The thought given to these connections creates an atmosphere of learning and engagement, making the library a central hub within the school.

Material Considerations

Materials referenced in the design include cement mortar for structural support and gutter tile for managing water effectively. These choices focus on durability and practicality, addressing the environmental challenges that Santai faces, especially concerning flooding. The materials align with the cultural narrative of the dragon, reinforcing the library's purpose.

The architectural form features gentle curves, resembling the scales of a dragon that sweeps across the landscape. This design detail invites exploration and interaction, offering a unique experience to all who enter. Each element combines to reflect the broader themes of transformation and resilience found in the local culture.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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