Architecture Competition Berlin Affordable Housing Challenge Honorable mention - Monika Rudnicka

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Berlin Affordable Housing Challenge" competition – Monika Rudnicka from Germany!

Monika Rudnicka from Germany

I am a licensed architect graduated from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Strasbourg, based since in Berlin, Germany. I had previously gained architectural experience in Switzerland and France. As an architect, I likewise had an opportunity to pursue my interests in politics and urban- related EU strategies as I worked for the European Parliament.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been involved?

'Gesamtbild' is a young collective specializing in CGI. We are all picking up active themes for personal projects in order to boost our creativity and escape everyday practice reality.

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

Architecture is an inherently political act. It’s an expression of our political values and cultural progress. Architecture affects societies, it’s about the way that a building responds to the needs of its users. And, finally, architecture is a permanent marker in the urban grid, as we speak about the form / space / material relationship. As an architect, I love discovering cities through running. Observing, analyzing, trying to reconsider existing models and at last - pitting myself against different contexts while developing my own concepts.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

It makes me think of a collective brainstorming session. We all want to learn from one another, n'est-ce-pas?

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

As an architect, you should look at it from this perspective - give yourself a safe space to experiment. At the same time, be ready to hear others and have your ideas challenged.