Architecture Competition Columbarium – The Chamber of Memories Honorable mention - HOCHSCHULE DARMSTADT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Columbarium – The Chamber of Memories" competition – Martynas Degutis from Germany!

Martynas Degutis from Germany

I was born and raised in Lithuania. After graduating gymnasium I went to Germany to study architecture. Now I study, work and live here. In my free time I participate in architectural competitions alone or with friends. I hope someday return to my country with experience which i will acquire.

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?

Personally, the most attractive projects are small-scale architectural projects related to cultural, educational, sacred and residential building typologies.

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

Architecture is about shaping space using geometry, structure, light, emptiness and materials. Taking into account the surrounding context, history and society in order to create new conceptual ideas and to form valuable spaces in which people can interact.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

The main reason why I participate in architectural competitions is , that allows me to try and reflect on new fundamental conceptual ideas, as well as to understand and refine my creative process by experimenting with different tools and methods. This is good opportunity to get to know yourself and to look at the surrounding whole.

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

My advice would be to choose competitions that you find interesting and most impor- tantly, that you will love them! Competitions help you to improve your skills, deepen your knowledge and understand the design process. So go ahead!