Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2024 competition Honorable mention winners in the Large Scale category - Giovanni Filieri and Niccolo Perilli

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce the Honorable Mention winners in the Large Scale category of our "Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2024" competition – Giovanni Filieri and Niccolo Perilli from Italy!

Giovanni Filieri and Niccolo Perilli from Italy

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.

Our architectural training began during high school at the Leon Battista Alberti State Art Institute, where we had our first experiences in architectural design. We are currently attending the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Florence, where we have had the opportunity to collaborate in various design studios.

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?

During our academic journey, we have worked on projects at different scales, addressing themes ranging from urban planning to detailed design. Generally, we favor a holistic approach to design, with a particular focus on large-scale projects that integrate into complex contexts.

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

We believe that architecture is one of the most powerful tools for understanding and transforming reality. It must be capable of reshaping places in response to contemporary demands while remaining rooted in the physical and cultural characteristics of the contexts in which it operates. In other words, the architect should not be merely a technician or solely a humanist but rather a profound observer of the society in which they work, allowing them to intervene respectfully and with an eye toward future sustainability.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

There are many reasons why we have chosen to participate in this and other architecture competitions, primarily for the opportunity to challenge ourselves and gain experience by approaching design independently, relying solely on our own abilities without the guidance of a more experienced mentor.

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

Participating in an architectural competition is always a valuable learning experience. It allows us not only to test ourselves by tackling unusual topics outside the academic boundaries but also to cultivate independent thinking in the design process. Moreover, participating in competitions is an excellent way to improve, as it enables us to understand and overcome our limitations.