A bird's-eye view of Zhang Jian Entrepreneur College. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Winners of the 2025 Brick in Architecture Awards were recently announced, including the Zhang Jian Entrepreneur College project in Nantong, Jiangsu province.

The Zhang Jian Entrepreneur College, designed by ARTS Group Co, won the Silver Award in the International Projects category for its innovative design and exquisite brick craftsmanship.

The college features red brick as its core building material, highlighting clean lines and harmonious structures. The meticulously crafted walls blend traditional craftsmanship with modern minimalist aesthetics, embodying the spirit of "serving the nation through industry". The solid, stable red bricks symbolize the century-long patriotic legacy of Zhang Jian (1853-1926), while the open campus layout reflects the open-mindedness of contemporary entrepreneurs.

A view of Zhang Jian Entrepreneur College. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The red brick buildings by the lakeside beautifully complement the lush greenery, and the interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic tapestry that evokes a spiritual connection with Zhang Jian himself. The college has become one of Nantong's iconic architectural landmarks.

Architecture serves as a vessel for spirit, while education serves as a bridge for heritage. To date, the Zhang Jian Entrepreneur College has trained over 147,000 participants across 31 regions in China, including Hong Kong and Macao, extending its influence to ASEAN countries.

Since 1989, the Brick Industry Association has hosted the prestigious Brick in Architecture Awards annually. These awards are widely regarded as the most authoritative and top-tier clay brick architectural accolades in the United States.