China invites world architects to design solar schools for quake areas

An international architectural design competition for the so-called "Sun-lit Schools" was launched here Wednesday, to seek solutions for solar-fueled school buildings in the countryside. The contest is co-organized by the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) and the China Renewable Energy Society. Contestants are required to design "Sun-lit" school buildings with reference to climatic conditions in earthquake-hit areas such as Maerkang and Mianyang, both in Sichuan Province. Energy-efficient design is revolution for the architecture sector, a major energy consumer, according to Zhong Jishou, the organizing committee executive chairman. "We want to make a breakthrough in building schools in the quake areas," he said. "Moreover, we also want provide a new model for rebuilding programs in these areas." Professionals from... [read full story]