Phnom Penh, Cambodia – At the end of March, a group of students from ParagonIU competed in the prestigious annual international competition for young students: the ‘XVIII Encuentro Plástico Espacial 2025’, organized by the Faculty of Architecture of the Universidad Nacional de México (National University of Mexico). The two teams participating from the Architecture Department were among the winners and were supervised during the competition by Mr. Ruben Castillero (Head of the Architecture Department) and Mr. Pisith Hun (Lecturer of the Architecture Department) as advisors.
The competition lasted one month and consisted of designing a pavilion. The theme this year focused on the concept and philosophy of design of the famous Mexican architect Luis Barragán, winner of the Pritzker Prize in Architecture.
Our two teams obtained 2nd place and 1st Honorable Mention among 14 teams from different countries that were invited to participate. The participating teams came from various universities in Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Bangladesh, and Cambodia. Paragon International University, representing Cambodia, was invited to participate this year in the 28th annual edition of the competition, which is open only to first and second-year architecture students.
The team consisting of students Vydanuth Kheng, Maridy Sophat, Vathana Tout, Boulyheng Kao, and Monirachana Ly, with their project titled ‘Pabellon del Reflejo del Alma’ (Pavilion of the Soul’s Reflection), secured second place. Their exceptional design was brought to life as a full-scale (1:1) temporary pavilion in the main patio of the Faculty of Architecture in Mexico City.
Adding to Paragon’s success, the team of Suntry Khou, Soksothearith Chea, Chhainarin Thoeun, Setiyuth Sothea, and Seangheng Ngov earned the 1st Honorable Mention for their pavilion design, ‘El Pabellon de la Serenidad’ (The Pavilion of Serenity).
The entire Paragon International University community extends its warmest congratulations to both winning teams. Their achievements not only highlight their talent and dedication but also bring pride to the Department of Architecture and represent Cambodia on the global stage.
Youtube links videos of the pavilions:
https://youtu.be/KnOUAuXFcbU
https://youtu.be/GU36GPN3A5o