Yeongju Jeil High School students win silver in future school design contest

Students from Yeongju Jeil High School have won the silver award in the ‘Gyeongsangbuk-do Type Future School Design Architectural Model’ competition. The winning team, consisting of students Lee Jun-young, Kim Geon-woo, and Jeon Jun-hyeok, designed a model that integrates eco-friendly energy, ecological environments, and flexible educational spaces.

The proposed future school focuses on energy independence by utilizing Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) on the roof and walls. The design also incorporates ‘biophilic design’ principles, featuring continuous greenery from the first-floor garden to the rooftop to allow students to interact closely with nature. A unique feature includes a futuristic Earth sculpture that links with satellites to show real-time global data, serving as a living educational tool for ecological sensitivity.

Moving away from traditional, rigid school architecture, the model uses white exteriors and streamlined curves to create flexible spaces. The design includes multi-purpose rooms for lectures and performances, as well as open exhibition spaces on the first floor intended for use by both students and the local community. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of ‘2050 Carbon Neutrality’ and Net-Zero schools.