Architecture competition Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower 2nd prize winners - Rolando Rodriguez-Leal, Natalia Wrzask, Jose Luis Mulás and Paola Barrenechea

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of the 2nd prize of our “Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower” competition - Rolando Rodriguez-Leal, Natalia Wrzask, Jose Luis Mulás and Paola Barrenechea from United KIngdom!

Rolando Rodriguez-Leal and Natalia Wrzask

AIDIASTUDIO is an architecture and design agency founded by Rolando Rodriguez-Leal and Natalia Wrzask in 2018. Natalia and Rolando met in London in 2005 while working for Norman Foster. They subsequently held Lead Architect positions at Zaha Hadid Architects and Ateliers Jean Nouvel. The studio has bases in London and Mexico City.

The term "aidia" is born from the transliteration of the English word idea [ahy-dee-uh, ahy-deeuh] into Spanish and Polish. In the transliteration of idea into aidia a palindrome is formed. A palindrome is a word, phrase or number that reads the same forward or reversed. In design, palindromes can be translated into cyclical patterns or re-iterative loops. They can be simple diagrams or the source of incredible complexity.

AIDIASTUDIO has been a special guest at the Beijing Design Week, 100% Design (London) and Design Days Dubai where the studio has built design installations. In 2018 the studio was nominated for best Interior Design in the wellness category at the NYCxDesign annual convention in New York. In 2014 the studio won the Wallpaper magazine competition for best product design for the Glenmorangie whiskey bottle glorifier.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

We understand architecture as the process by which design ideas can be tested to respond to specific conditions found in the built and natural environments. We strive for geometrical complexity and site specificity to ground our projects in their time and place. The role of the architect in today's societies should be about developing narratives that enable fresh and innovative solutions to common problems.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

We treat competitions as the vehicle for testing lines of research currently being developed within the studio. We target specific subjects that help us expand our portfolios and where we can implement our research in complex geometries and sustainable design.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

To come out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves into working in new fields of work.