Chongqing - 2023 International Architecture Awards recently unveiled over 130 of the best-designed buildings and landscapes worldwide. Chongqing's Mingyue Lake Shajin Primary School, now known as Mingyue Fang, won the prestigious honor for the category of restoration and renovation.
Mingyue Fang sits in Chongqing Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone. (Photo/Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone)
The International Architecture Awards, established in 2004 by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, in collaboration with the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press, serves as a global platform recognizing the achievements of architects, architectural firms, and urban planners.
The Awards spotlight outstanding and impactful projects within the realm of architecture, landscape design, and urban planning, and not only awards acknowledge exceptional work but also highlight the evolving trends and innovative practices in the field.
Mingyue Fang, surrounded by waters on three sides, embraces the philosophy of "harmony with nature and culture." It incorporates elements of mountain architecture in Southwest China, like terraced structures, sloping roofs, elevated floors, and wooden construction. This integration reflects the elegance and serene beauty of cultural heritage, offering a nod to the traditional construction.
More than just a picturesque location offering delectable cuisine and inviting accommodations, Mingyue Fang serves as a multifaceted cultural space. It houses a cultural exhibit, an educational base, and a cultural and creative studio.
Additionally, it delves into the rich cultural legacy of the Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone, spotlighting the historical narrative of universities relocating during the period of resistance against the Japanese invasion. This essence of resilience and determination continues to inspire generations of researchers in the present era.
Mingyue Fang incorporates elements of mountain architecture in Southwest China. (Photo/Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone)
The building stands as a living testament to architectural brilliance, cultural preservation, and educational innovation. Its transformation from a humble school into a cultural treasure site demonstrates the fusion of traditional architectural elements with modern functionality. This recognition at the International Architecture Award solidifies it as an achievement that harmoniously blends past and present.
Beyond the architectural marvel, Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone, where Mingyue Fang sits, emerges as an innovation hub in Chongqing. It now boasts 50 universities and research institutes, a magnet attracting over 3,000 innovative talents. This innovation zone expedites the construction of a significant powerhouse for technological advancement and industrial breakthroughs.