Architecture Competition Berlin Affordable Housing Challenge 2nd prize winners – Ana Richter de Arce, Jakob Fischer

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winners of our "Berlin Affordable Housing Challenge" competition – Ana Richter de Arce and Jakob Fischer from Germany!

2nd prize winners from Germany

Ana: Last May I finished my masters degree at Technische Universität Berlin and have worked as a freelancer since. I completed part of my studies abroad, at the Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago de Chile where I also worked at Turner Arquitectos. For another internship, at José María Sánchez García, I stayed for 9 months in Madrid. I have also collaborated with Kirchberger und Wiegner Rohde in Berlin and worked together with Morrison and Company on several competitions.

Jakob: After finishing my bachelor's degree at the Technical University of Berlin whilst working at Feddersen Architekten, I went on to work for a range of international offices such as Herzog & de Meuron in Basel and Nord Studio in Berlin. After spending one year of my master’s degree in Paris (ENSA Versailles) for my final academic year I am now working on my Masterthesis.

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

To us, architecture is a means to express ourselves creatively and our way to contribute to society. We are aware of the impact architecture can have on our world and are interested in finding new ways to build sustainably.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions usually have fewer design restrictions than other types of architectural work. It gives you the liberty to look at things from a different angle and you have the chance to come up with unconventional solutions. We belief this practice is important to generate innovation and we enjoy being part of it.

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

It can be very fulfilling to do projects on your own - not in an academic framework or in a working context. It takes a certain pressure off and you are able to think more freely. You might be surprised by the result, certainly worth a try.