Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge competition Honorable mention winners - Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce the Honorable Mention winners of our Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge – Róbert Lipták, Nikoleta Mitríková and Jakub Demčák from Slovakia!

Róbert Lipták, Nikoleta Mitríková and Jakub Demčák

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 are a team of architecture school colleagues, consisting of two master’s-level students (Ing.) and one PhD candidate. We have been actively participating in architectural competitions for several years, and this is our first collaboration in this particular team formation. Alongside our studies, all three of us work professionally in the field—either in architectural studios or larger companies—and are therefore engaged in architectural practice on a daily basis.

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?

Throughout our studies, professional practice, and extracurricular competitions, we have worked on a wide range of projects across multiple scales—from urban planning and public spaces to interiors, residential architecture, and larger civic buildings. We actively engage in diverse architectural competitions, ranging from public spaces to housing and residential complexes. Rather than limiting ourselves to a single topic or typology, we approach architecture as a broad and interconnected discipline. We are particularly drawn to public buildings and their strong relationship with people, society, and everyday use. Our experience includes conceptual and design work on museums, libraries, recreational centers, hotels, family housing, temporary modular housing, large complexes, and residential developments. Urbanism plays a fundamental role in our work, as we consider it an essential and often inseparable component of architectural design that shapes both the wider context and the overall spatial experience.

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

From the outset of our studies, we have approached architecture as a discipline focused on shaping environments in which people can thrive. We see it as a means of creating meaningful places that influence everyday life, contribute positively to our surroundings, and leave a lasting impact on society. We understand the role of the architect as one of shaping, transforming, and improving the built environment—not only in response to present needs, but also with a long-term perspective for future generations. This responsibility goes far beyond questions of form and function, encompassing cultural, social, and environmental considerations as integral parts of architectural practice.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We view competitions as an essential platform for exploring diverse themes beyond the scope of academic assignments. They provide creative freedom, encourage open-minded thinking, and foster professional development. Each competition offers an opportunity to test ideas, gain experience, and deepen our understanding—regardless of the final outcome.

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

Our perspective is straightforward: entering competitions is always worthwhile. Regardless of the outcome, the process itself offers invaluable experience, insight, and growth. Each competition presents a fresh challenge, broadens one’s way of thinking, and contributes meaningfully to long-term development as an architect.