Third place at WREC Student Architecture Competition 2023

From left: Ar Loh, Tan and Abd Muluk

Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) Bachelor of Science (Honours) Architecture student Tan Yuan Kai won third place at the World Renewable Energy Congress XXII (WREC) Student Architecture Competition 2023, which took place from 16 to 20 July 2023 at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The competition themed ‘Towards Regenerative Buildings’ was jointly organised by the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and the World Renewable Energy Network.

Supervised by two specialists from LKC FES, namely Ar Loh Khang Yong and Abd Muluk bin Abd Manan, Tan walked away with RM1,500, a plaque and a certificate.

For the competition, participants were required to submit designs for a regenerative building that demonstrates an innovative and sustainable approach to architecture. The building has to incorporate features and systems that minimise negative environmental impacts and promote the regeneration of the ecosystem.

Feeling grateful, Tan said, “I would like to thank my supervisors for supervising and recommending me for the competition.” He also added, “I am glad that I won the competition. I participated in the competition to gain experience in the architecture field. I did my best in this World Renewable Energy Congress Architecture Competition and won it. I feel rewarded for this result.”

Advising his juniors, he said, “There may be some competitions that include great rewards; as mentioned, just do your best. You need to have a clear conscience about what you want to do. Rewards are important, but even if you lose in the competition, the experiences will go a long way. So, always enjoy the experience and do your best.”

The competition aimed to seek a transformative design idea, complete with a net-zero energy approach, and an impressive physical presence that will become a powerful and enduring symbol of how regenerative building operates in the current climate change environment and in line with the circular economy principles. The intent of the design was to reduce the effects of climate change, by limiting resource and energy use, and while maintaining the thermal comfort and indoor air quality of its occupant.

Tan’s certificate and plaque

Tan’s design