Architecture Competition Columbarium – The Chamber of Memories Honorable mention - RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our "Columbarium – The Chamber of Memories" competition – Josh Ren from United States!

Josh Ren from United States

Josh Ren is a 5^th-year architecture student from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has worked for design firms such as Kengo Kuma, mattersofseeing, and 3SIX0 Architecture during the last few 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?

My personal works have been mostly focused on small-to medium-scale projects. My built projects mostly consist of furniture and interiors, such as office and exhibition spaces.

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

I believe that architects should strive for spaces that are inspiring and create a sense of belonging. Architecture should establish meaningful relationships across various conditions, from narrative, program, context, and materiality to the inhabitants. Only when these conditions are deeply entangled, can a meaningful architecture emerge.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions like this allow me to think about projects that are grounded within tangible limitations and affordances. They are good opportunities to test out ideas and methods I have acquired during my studies.

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

Architecture competitions allow your work to be judged under new light and can push you to think more critically about your practice.