Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2024 competition Small scale category winner - Javier Andrés Bascunan Morales

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Small scale category winner of our "Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2024" competition – Javier Andrés Bascunan Morales from Chile!

Javier Andrés Bascunan Morales

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.

I’m a recently graduated Chilean architect, currently working as a BIM modeler in a private company. I’ve been passionate about visiting new places and buildings that inspire me as a designer during and after my student years.

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 my university days I worked on smaller scale projects focusing on the creation of ephemeral places, mainly through pavilions. Currently the projects I see are medium to large scale, focusing on modular steel structures.

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

For me, architecture is not just about creating a functional space,it’s about shaping how people experience the world and how those experiences are remembered. It is a dialogue between design, emotion, memory, and culture. It can make people feel connected to their past, present, and future, creating spaces that are not only functional but profoundly meaningful.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in competitions because they provide a unique platform to explore and expand the range of projects I can undertake. These opportunities challenge me to think beyond my usual boundaries, encouraging me to experiment with new ideas and approaches that I might not consider in my everyday work. Through participation, I can delve into diverse design concepts, styles, and solutions, enhancing my creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

Competitions are always beneficial because they encourage the expansion of creativity and critical thinking in the designs we have in mind. Additionally, they allow us to share our ideas with the community, which can inspire other people to conceptualize and share their own projects.