Architecture competition "European Velo Stops" honorable mention - Elin Schnipper and Benjamin Alstrup Velure

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of one of our Honorable mentions for the “European Velo Stops” competition - Elin Schnipper and Benjamin Alstrup Velure from Sweden!

Elin Schnipper and Benjamin Alstrup Velure from Sweden

Both of us have recently graduated, Benjamin from Bergen School of Architecture in Norway and Elin from Lund University in Sweden. We are now living and working in Oslo for Ola Roald Architects and Oslo Works, respectively. We have both participated and arranged architecture student workshops. Elin has also worked for ​Engineers and Architects Without Borders​, where she organised a student competition to design a childcare centre in Tanzania.

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 company/ individuals have been involved?

Benjamin is currently participating in designing schools and residential projects in Norway. Elin is working on hotel, urban development and residential projects. Given that we are both young architects, we enjoy exploring different scales and programs. However, we both have a weak spot for vernacular architecture and what we can learn from the local building traditions of a particular place in terms of construction, materials, culture and social habits.

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

First and foremost, architecture is to provide shelter from the environment. Secondly, we believe that architecture is about seeking the beautiful. Whether it is an immaculately well-functioning kitchen, or soft light that sweeps down the walls of an art gallery or a courtyard where neighbours, families and friends make memories. We feel there is beauty in all aspects of architecture that can help enrich people’s lives.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Vision competitions give us the opportunity to be more experimental than we would be in the office. These competitions often have very interesting and inspiring tasks that you wouldn’t typically receive from a client, that raise current global issues and challenge our way of thinking.

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

Doing vision competitions is a learning experience that will train your design skills and give you the opportunity to dive deep into specific topics. The competition briefs are often unique with exciting locations and complexities that will allow you to further develop a particular interest in the field of architecture. This is also a great opportunity to approach a project more theoretically and develop a train of thought in the process. Bee Breeder competitions are also a great way to get your work published and gain recognisability.