2024 NCP Mongolia
Study Tour

I was part of a team from the Curtin School of Design and the Built Environment who had the privilege of visiting the beautiful Tunkel village, 100km north of Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. Our aim was to improve the village’s facilities at the local train station, designing and constructing a public shelter for the Tunkel Village. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project, made possible by the New Colombo Plan grant. It was an immensely rewarding challenge to bring our designs to life in such a remote location.
 

The urgent need for shelter became evident as we witnessed the immense crowds gathering at the train station, a place that experiences temperatures ranging from -40 to 40 degrees Celsius. The lack of adequate shelter and seating highlighted the critical importance of our project in enhancing the lives of Tunkel residents. To capture the essence of Tunkel and its people, two of our team members (Riley Pola & Cynthia Toh) created stunning paintings that beautifully depicted the local landscape, clothing, and culture. These artworks served as a valuable source of inspiration for our shelter design, ensuring it harmoniously integrated with the community's aesthetic.

From conceptualising the shelter's form and function to overcoming the practical challenges of building in a harsh climate with limited resources, every step of this project was a learning experience. We faced numerous obstacles, including procuring suitable materials and coordinating with local suppliers while respecting their holiday traditions. These challenges forced us to think creatively and find innovative solutions, and we couldn’t have accomplished this without the invaluable support of our friends and fellow students from the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. Their deep understanding of local conditions and construction practices was essential to our success. Together, we formed a strong and collaborative team that overcame every hurdle. 

This shelter is more than just a building; it's a symbol of international cooperation and a testament to the power of design to improve people's lives. We hope it will provide a warm and welcoming space for travelers and locals alike for years to come.