Design Concrete competition winners 2023

Design Concrete is a national student competition which encourages architecture students to explore the benefits of designing sustainably with concrete. The competition has been developed to fit within, or complement, the syllabus of an undergraduate degree course.

The 2023 competition challenge was to create a sustainable concrete structure within a former quarry, providing a platform for biodiversity and opportunities for visitors to engage with and learn about the natural and geological environment.

The judging panel reviewed lots of excellent submissions and wish to say a big thank you to all of the universities who took part and to the students who submitted their work.

The winning submissions were announced in a live online event on 12th June 2023, a recording of which can be viewed here.

The full list of winning students with judges comments are as follows:
 
First Prize was awarded to Aakriti Kharel, Rio Toyoda, Harry George Greenhalgh and Mohammad Zahidi of Coventry University for their project 'Cranes Fen'. The judging panel agreed that the design demonstrated excellent sensitivity to the site context from concept to detailed design. Material was used efficiently and details were well developed. The submission also demonstrated an excellent understanding of locally available, low carbon cements and aggregates.
 
Joint Second Prize was awarded to Beyza Cagiran, of Ravensbourne University, for their project 'Panoramic Ramp'. The judges felt this design had a strong concept, informed by an exploration of different concrete construction techniques and opportunities for interesting surface textures as well as the use of locally available aggregate.
 
Joint Second Prize was awarded to Kadi Diawara, of Ravensbourne University for their project 'Nest Pavillion'. The judges were impressed with the exploration of light weight, curved sculptural forms possible using glass-reinforced concrete. 

Students and tutors interested in finding out more about the next student design and sustainability competition can register here to receive more information.