A Look Into ArchEngBuild 2023
In our mission to empower the next generation of architects, engineers, and construction management professionals, the WIDE Trust proudly sponsored the 10th-anniversary edition of ArchEngBuild. This event, held in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, marked the fourth consecutive year that WIDE Trust has lent its support to this prestigious annual gathering.
ArchEngBuild: A Platform for Future Innovators
ArchEngBuild, an event renowned for celebrating the prowess of Aotearoa's top architectural, engineering, and construction management students, kicked off on August 29th, 2023, at the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. Over the course of three days, 30 bright minds converged to tackle this year's challenge.
The event attracted industry leaders and experts from various sectors, including ConcreteNZ, BRANZ, Dunning Thorton, Holmes, Living Pa, and Takina. These professionals shared their insights and experiences with the eager participants, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.
One of the highlights of this year's ArchEngBuild was the student site visit to Tākina, a convention centre that has been designed and built to minimise its negative impact on the environment. Notably, it received the prestigious Five Green Star Design certification, setting a remarkable benchmark for sustainable construction in New Zealand.
Addressing Climate Change Through Innovation
The theme of the 2023 ArchEngBuild Challenge was "Adapting to Climate Change." As climate change increasingly impacts New Zealand's natural and built environments, it has become imperative for the construction industry to reevaluate its practices and adapt to the changing landscape.
Students were tasked with exploring innovative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, with a particular emphasis on maintaining adaptability and resilience while adhering to Zero Carbon commitments. Some key questions they addressed included:
How can we build and modify residential buildings to better cope with increased rainfall and fluctuating temperatures, while minimising carbon footprints and cost?
How do we shift our thinking about what, how and where we build?
How can we better adapt residential buildings to cope with a changing climate?
How can we look at resilience through a different lens and build with nature rather than fight against it?
How can resilient buildings keep to a smaller carbon footprint at the same or lower cost?
Supporting Future Leaders in Architecture and Construction
The ArchEngBuild Challenge not only showcases the talents of the next generation but also offers a platform for industry professionals, supporters, and sponsors to witness the innovative solutions produced by these budding leaders.
In 2023, the winners of ArchEngBuild were:
Mila Makasini, an architect from Otago Polytechnic.
Aleksandr Bakharovskii, a construction manager from Ara Institute of Canterbury.
Andrea Tang, an engineer from The University of Auckland.
These talented individuals have demonstrated their ability to address critical challenges and contribute to the sustainable development of New Zealand's construction industry.
WIDE Trust's continued support for ArchEngBuild exemplifies our commitment to fostering the development and education of the next generation in the wood industry. By investing in events like ArchEngBuild, the WIDE Trust ensures that aspiring architects, engineers, and construction managers have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and innovate in a changing world.