2026-01-02

Peng Yi-Tang, a student from the Department of Architecture at National University of Kaohsiung, recently participated in the international “UN Design Award” with an independent project and stood out among entries from renowned architecture and design schools worldwide, earning the Gold Award in the Architectural Design category.

The award, initiated by the International Competition Association in Washington, D.C., has gained increasing global attention in recent years. This year’s competition attracted submissions from institutions such as Syracuse University and Cornell University. Notably, no Platinum Award was granted in the student category, making the Gold Award the highest honor, with only two recipients in total.

According to Department Chair Chen Yi-Jie, what deserves the most recognition in Peng’s achievement is not only the competition result, but also the strong sense of initiative and learning ambition demonstrated throughout his academic journey. From independently entering the competition and selecting the project site, to building an international peer network and leveraging digital tools in design, Peng has shown an ability to actively manage his own learning pace. Chen emphasized that architectural education at the university level focuses on exploration and accumulation rather than immediate implementation, but requires strong time management and psychological resilience. “Being able to sustain and complete the full learning process is, in itself, a critical capability,” he noted.

This year’s competition centered on the theme “Undefined Design,” encouraging designers to explore the relationship between self and the world. The jury panel, composed of architects, design directors, and industry professionals from various countries, set a high bar for evaluation. Peng’s recognition in the architectural category reflects strong international acknowledgment of both the conceptual depth and overall execution of his work.

Peng’s project is based on a hypothetical site within the living zone of the Nanzih Technology Industrial Park in Kaohsiung, specifically near the community activity center in Cuiping Village. His design, titled “Green Warm Ark,” proposes an urban public space that integrates elevated volumes, stepped reading areas, and multi-layered circulation. The design combines functions such as a library, community classrooms, and a green courtyard, aiming to create a shared space that accommodates diverse users and aligns with the rhythm of urban life within a mixed environment of high-tech industry, residential-commercial zones, and educational institutions.

Peng stated that after reviewing past international award-winning projects, he recognized the high global standards in design and chose to challenge himself proactively, seeking to answer whether he could “stand on the international stage.”

During the design process, Peng also incorporated digital tools to support his work. Since his sophomore year, he has developed a personalized AI system through programming, using it as a tool for conceptual exploration and environmental simulations. He emphasized that AI does not replace creativity, but instead assists in organizing climate data and analyzing site conditions based on user-defined inputs and preferences, making the design process clearer and more efficient. He also noted that studying architecture relies not only on inspiration, but on sustained effort and iterative refinement.

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