UTAR students excel at International Digital Architectural Design Competition

Two UTAR students have recently earned prestigious awards at the 2024 Belt and Road International Student Competition on Digital Architectural Design & Urban Revival Track, organised by the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture. The competition, which took place in May 2024 with online submissions, brought together students from across the globe to promote architectural innovation and the protection of historical and cultural heritage.

Lim WanJing, a Year 3 Bachelor of Science (Honours) Architecture student from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKCFES), and Candy Chan Teng Min, a Year 4 Master of Architecture student from the same faculty, were recognised for their outstanding projects. Lim was awarded 3rd place, while Chan received an Honourable Mention.

The 2024 Belt and Road International Student Competition on Digital Architectural Design encouraged students from various economies to develop digital designs that focus on the protection, renewal, and revitalisation of historical buildings along the Belt and Road. The competition aimed to cultivate scientific and technological innovation while promoting cultural exchanges between students.

Lim’s project, titled "Heritage Odyssey," aimed to immerse visitors in the industrial heritage of Batu Arang, a historically significant site in Malaysia. By creating engaging and interactive exhibits, Lim’s design made the rich history of Batu Arang accessible to the public. She was supervised by Ar Sam Chin Sing and Ar Tan Yung Ren throughout the project. Reflecting on her win, Lim said, "This project was a chance to challenge myself and see how my research could resonate on a larger stage. Winning is a humbling and rewarding experience that validates the hard work and passion poured into this project."

Candy Chan’s submission, "Nature’s Canvas: The South City Park Blueprint," was developed in collaboration with students from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture: Sun Wenlong, Sun Huanying, Xing Lu, and Lu Le. Her project focused on the integration of historical buildings with modern technology, contributing to the global dialogue on heritage preservation. She was supervised by Dr Hao Shimeng and Dr Tan Kok Hong. Reflecting on her Honourable Mention, Chan said, "This recognition reinforces my belief that preserving and revitalising historical buildings is about keeping their stories alive."

Both students' achievements highlight the strong architectural education and innovative spirit at UTAR, fostering excellence in fields related to heritage conservation and digital architecture. Their success not only brings pride to the university but also underscores the importance of heritage preservation in modern architecture.

Heritage Odyssey by Lim WanJing

Nature’s Canvas: The South City Park Blueprint by Candy Chan and her teammates