We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Ruiting Xu about their original and creative Water Management design work. Ruiting Xu is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original water management works.
Ruiting Xu ("RX") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work The Vessel Type Water Management. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
RX : The Vessel Type design is grounded in the principle of ecocentrism. It responds to the survival challenges faced by a small village in western Madagascar, where seasonal droughts and floods threaten both daily life and agriculture. Inspired by the need to collect, store and distribute rainwater sustainably, the design integrates with the land’s topography to serve both as infrastructure and cultural landmark. It functions as a vessel that collects surface runoff during the wet season, filters it using a rural sand and gravel filtration technique, and stores it in a water bank for use during the dry season. Beyond water infrastructure, the design creates communal spaces for engagement, reflection, and play - reinforcing a social and ecological network that supports equity and long-term resilience.
RX : The main focus of The Vessel Type was to address the urgent need for a sustainable water system in a region facing extreme seasonal changes. The goal was to create a structure that not only captures and stores rainwater but also empowers the local community through equitable access to resources. By integrating water infrastructure with communal spaces, the design aims to support agricultural resilience, reduce social frictions, and promote collective engagement. Ultimately, the intention was to transform a survival challenge into an opportunity for ecological and social renewal through architecture.
RX : As a conceptual project, The Vessel Type serves as a speculative proposal that explores how architecture can respond to ecological and social crises through integrated design. The future plan is to further develop the concept as a framework for dialogue, inviting discussions on sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and community-driven design. While it is not currently intended for construction, the design can inspire future research, collaborations and adaptations in regions facing similar environmental challenges. The goal is to continue evolving the idea as a catalyst for rethinking how architecture can embody both functionality and cultural meaning.
RX : The design process for The Vessel Type spanned several months. It involved deep research into the environmental and social conditions of western Madagascar, followed by iterative development of the architectural response. The work progressed through phases of site analysis, conceptualization, technical detailing, and spatial storytelling - evolving gradually through continuous refinement and critical feedback.
RX : This design was not commissioned - it was pursued as a personal and academic exploration. The inspiration came from a desire to address real-world issues through architecture, particularly the intertwined crises of water scarcity, flooding and social inequality in rural Madagascar. By grounding the project in ecocentric values, I aimed to explore how architecture can serve both as critical infrastructure and a cultural anchor, supporting not just survival, but dignity, community and long-term resilience.
RX : The Vessel Type is a conceptual design and is not currently being produced or used by any company. It was developed to provoke thought and explore possibilities rather than immediate implementation. At this stage, there are no plans to sell or lease the production rights, but I am open to future collaborations with organizations or institutions interested in adapting the concept for real-world application, especially in regions facing similar environmental challenges.
RX : The design of The Vessel Type was driven by a deep interest in how architecture can respond meaningfully to ecological and humanitarian crises. The specific conditions in western Madagascar marked by seasonal droughts, flooding, agricultural dependency and social tension, highlighted the need for an architectural response that goes beyond shelter. I was compelled to design a type of work that merges infrastructure with social space, where water collection, community engagement and landscape integration converge. This approach allowed me to explore architecture not just as a building, but as a living system rooted in environmental and cultural context.
RX : Several precedents and designers influenced the development of The Vessel Type. I was particularly inspired by works that integrate architecture with landscape and infrastructure, such as the projects of Francis Kéré, whose designs respond sensitively to local climates and community needs. Additionally, vernacular water systems and traditional land-based practices informed the approach to water collection and distribution. Rather than referencing a single design, the project was shaped by an accumulation of ecological thinking, socially responsive architecture and a deep respect for context-specific solutions.
RX : The target "customer" for The Vessel Type design is not an individual or commercial entity, but rather communities in regions facing similar environmental challenges, such as droughts and floods. The design is aimed at both rural populations in areas where access to water and social equity are pressing issues, as well as organizations, NGOs, and government bodies working in sustainable development. The concept seeks to address a broader humanitarian need rather than a traditional market, offering a framework for community resilience and environmental sustainability.
RX : What sets The Vessel Type apart is its unique integration of water infrastructure with communal and cultural spaces. Rather than focusing solely on the technical aspects of water collection and storage, the design also emphasizes the creation of a social hub. It fosters community engagement, interaction and reflection, addressing not just environmental needs, but also social equity and resilience. The structure is inspired by the natural landscape and adapts to seasonal changes, acting as both protection and a causeway during wet seasons and providing accessible water storage during dry seasons. This holistic approach, which merges functionality with social and cultural significance, distinguishes it from other designs that may focus primarily on either infrastructure or community spaces separately.
RX : The name The Vessel Type was chosen to reflect the central concept of the design: a structure that acts as both a vessel for collecting and storing water and a type of space that adapts to the needs of the community. The term "vessel" symbolizes the idea of containment, protection and transformation of resources - particularly water; while "type" emphasizes the modular, adaptable nature of the design. The name speaks to the project's function as a dynamic, evolving entity that serves both practical and communal purposes, shaping a sustainable relationship between people, water and the land.
RX : For The Vessel Type, I primarily used Rhino for modeling which allowed me to develop and refine the complex forms and relationships within the design. For rendering, I used Unreal Engine to create immersive, high-quality visualizations that brought the project to life and helped communicate its spatial and environmental qualities. These tools enabled me to experiment with the design in both three-dimensional space and interactive, real-time environments, ensuring the final concept was both visually compelling and functionally coherent.
RX : The most unique aspect of The Vessel Type design is its ability to blend water infrastructure with communal and cultural functions. Rather than focusing solely on utilitarian purposes, the structure serves as both a water collection and distribution system while also fostering community interaction, engagement and social equity. Its vessel-like form integrates with the landscape, responding to seasonal changes, and provides flexible spaces for daily use, contemplation, and connection. This dual-purpose approach addresses both environmental and social needs - sets it apart from traditional water management solutions.
RX : I primarily worked independently for The Vessel Type. However, the development of the concept was informed by feedback and insights from professors, peers, and people who work in fields like sustainability, water management, and community design. While there were no direct collaborations with technical or specialized professionals during the design phase, the project drew heavily from existing research and real-world applications of water filtration systems and ecological architecture. These sources of expertise played a crucial role in shaping the technical aspects of the design.
RX : Technology plays a significant role in The Vessel Type design, particularly in the integration of water filtration and distribution systems. The use of sustainable technologies, such as the rural submerged filter technique for water purification, is central to the design's functionality. Additionally, technology was crucial in visualizing the concept, as tools like Rhino for modeling and Unreal Engine for rendering allowed for a detailed exploration of the spatial and environmental aspects of the project. While the design is grounded in ecological principles, these technological tools enhanced its communication and refinement, enabling a deeper understanding of how the structure interacts with both the landscape and the community.
RX : The Vessel Type design was heavily influenced by data and analytical research. The primary research focused on the environmental conditions in western Madagascar, particularly the seasonal droughts and flooding that impact local communities. I conducted research into water management systems, including traditional methods of rainwater collection and filtration, and how these could be adapted to the specific context of the site. Social research also played a role, looking into the needs and challenges of rural communities dependent on agriculture. This data-driven approach helped shape the design’s functionality, ensuring it was both contextually relevant and responsive to the unique needs of the region.
RX : One of the key challenges in designing The Vessel Type was finding a balance between functionality and the cultural significance of the space. While the concept needed to address practical issues like water storage, filtration, and distribution, it also had to serve as a meaningful social and cultural space for the community. Another challenge was ensuring that the design was adaptable to the local environment, particularly in terms of its integration with the landscape and its ability to withstand seasonal changes. Additionally, while the project was conceptual, ensuring that the design was feasible and aligned with sustainable practices required navigating technical complexities around material choice and construction methods.
RX : The decision to submit The Vessel Type to an international design competition was driven by a desire to share the concept with a broader audience and engage in a global conversation about sustainable architecture and community-focused design. I wanted to explore how the project could inspire other architects, designers and organizations working on similar issues, and to contribute to the ongoing discourse around climate resilience and social equity in architecture. Competitions offer a platform for visibility, feedback and potential collaborations, which can help further develop and refine the idea for future applications.
RX : Throughout the design process of The Vessel Type, I learned to approach architecture as a tool for addressing complex, real-world challenges. I deepened my understanding of how design can integrate technical systems like water filtration with social, cultural and environmental needs. I also improved my ability to balance the technical aspects of a project with its broader conceptual goals, ensuring that the design was both functional and meaningful. Additionally, working on a project of this scale helped me enhance my skills in visualization, modeling and rendering, as I used tools like Rhino and Unreal Engine to communicate the design more effectively. Overall, the project pushed me to think more critically and holistically about the role of architecture in shaping resilient, equitable communities.
RX : One important aspect I would like to highlight is the vision behind The Vessel Type, which goes beyond solving immediate environmental issues. The project aims to inspire a deeper connection between people and their environment, demonstrating how architecture can foster both sustainability and community resilience. Additionally, the design was an opportunity to experiment with integrating both modern and traditional techniques, such as rural water filtration methods. I hope this work encourages further exploration of how architecture can play a transformative role in regions where ecological challenges intersect with social needs.
