Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing 1st prize winners - Nasim Mollazadeh Sorkhabi, Niki Haddad Razavi, Sara Davari and Negin Shokry

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize winners of our Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing competition – Nasim Mollazadeh Sorkhabi, Niki Haddad Razavi, Sara Davari and Negin Shokry from Germany!

Nasim Mollazadeh Sorkhabi, Niki Haddad Razavi, Sara Davari and Negin Shokry

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We all met back in our university days as undergraduates studying architecture together. Fast forward to today, Nasim is continuing her studies as a graduate student at McGill, Negin is just about ready to graduate and is knee-deep in her final project, while Sara and Niki have recently tossed their caps in the air, proudly holding their Bachelor of Architecture degrees.

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?

Our collective interest lies in modular architecture, with a particular focus on residential designs. We've garnered experience across various scales, encompassing academic research, professional endeavors, and competition projects.

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

To us, architecture is a realm where occupants reign supreme. As users of spaces, their input is paramount and should be deeply integrated into the design process. As architects, our duty is to discern and empathize with these needs, crafting aesthetically pleasing spaces that effectively address people's requirements.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

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

For those unsure about joining architecture competitions, I'd suggest starting small. Find a competition aligned with your interests and commit to participating for at least two consecutive years. Regardless of the outcome, this experience will empower you and encourage you to view challenges from different angles, ultimately broadening your perspective and fostering personal growth.