On April 2, the midterm review of the 2026 Saint-Gobain International Architecture Student Contest (China National Stage) was successfully held at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University.
For this year's competition, the designated project site is Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, with a focus on urban community development along the Sava River. This challenge not only tests participants’ architectural design and spatial planning abilities but also serves as a comprehensive practice in urban ecological integration and climate resilience. Ten participating teams presented their design concepts and proposals, responded to questions from the jury and received professional feedback.
The review panel consisted of senior executives from architectural firms, Saint-Gobain R&D engineers, and representatives of the competition's China organizing committee. They evaluated each project from the perspectives of innovation, feasibility, ecological adaptability, and material application, offering detailed guidance to help students refine their designs.
Prior to the review, students visited the Shanghai R&D Center for a technical seminar organized by the China committee. Alain Zanoli (VP Innovation, Asia) and Zhang Jieqi (Asia Communication Director) welcomed the students.
Four colleagues from business and R&D teams shared knowledge on the performance and application of Saint-Gobain construction materials, as well as lifecycle assessment, enabling students to apply materials more accurately and consider environmental impacts in their designs. The visit concluded with a tour of the exhibition hall showcasing products and industry applications.
With the midterm review successfully completed, the China National Stage now moves toward the finals. On April 23, participants will present their refined projects at the Shanghai office. The winners will advance to the International Stage in Serbia in June, competing against teams from around the world.
