A look back at the GC-CD challenge
For its ninth edition, the Civil Engineering – Sustainable Construction Challenge was held at the University Institute of Technology (IUT) in Nîmes from June 10 to 12. Thirty-one teams of students from IUTs across France shared a wonderful time together during this competition, which focused on two themes: building and public works. 190 students, teachers, and professionals, as well as all the students from the GCCD department, attended the candidates' presentations.
Organized by Caroline Denhez and the teams from the Civil Engineering department she heads, the event took place under bright sunshine, giving participants the opportunity to discover the city of Nîmes in a warm atmosphere. The students worked on two topics prepared by Éric Pradier, a teacher in the department:
- Topic No. 1 (Building): Design and digital modeling of a development project for the University Institute of Technology in Nîmes
- Topic No. 2 (Public Works): Integration of site materials or reused materials in a building project
The first day was marked by a dynamic welcome with participation in complementary events followed by sports and recreational activities. The projects were presented to the public in the IUT's Concrete Hall on Wednesday, June 11, throughout the morning, and the afternoon was devoted to workshops on the construction of raw earth walls, straw walls, low-carbon concrete, and a workshop on augmented reality in order to compare the completed projects with the reality on the ground.
The day ended on a high note with a gala evening at the Musée de la Romanité, attended by Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier.
On Thursday, June 12, the juries deliberated and several prizes were awarded to recognize the quality of the work presented.
The winners
Professional jury or finalists' jury: 6 teams in the running
Topic #1 – Building
- Saint-Pierre University Institute of Technology – BUT 3
- Bordeaux 1 University Institute of Technology – BUT 3
- Reims University Institute of Technology – BUT 2
Building Award: Reims University Institute of Technology
Topic No. 2 – Development
- La Rochelle University Institute of Technology – BUT 3
- Nîmes University Institute of Technology 2 – Business Administration Degree 2
- Tarbes University Institute of Technology – BUT 2
Interior Design Award: La Rochelle University Institute of Technology
Jury's favorite: Tarbes University Institute of Technology
Student jury: Six teams competing for a single prize
Topic #1 – Building
- Saint-Nazaire University Institute of Technology – BUT 3
- Bordeaux 2 University Institute of Technology – Bachelor's Degree in Technology
- La Rochelle University Institute of Technology – BUT 3
Topic No. 2 – Development
- Rennes University Institute of Technology – BUT 3
- Egletons University Institute of Technology – BUT 2
- Cergy University Institute of Technology – BUT 2
Student prize: La Rochelle University Institute of Technology with the topic of construction
Tied for 5th place overall in the challenge:
- Saint-Pierre University Institute of Technology – BUT 3 (building subject)
- Bordeaux 1 University Institute of Technology – BUT 3 (building subject)
- Nîmes University Institute of Technology 2 – Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning (subject: urban planning)
- Rennes University Institute of Technology – BUT 3 (urban planning)
Congratulations to all the candidates!
Thank you all for the atmosphere, the organization, and the good vibes.
The date has been set for 2027 in Rennes for the next edition.
The department and the IUT would like to thank all the companies that sponsored the challenge for their support and commitment.
