Architecture Competition Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center 2nd prize winners – Wenqi Huang and Yi Yan

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winners of our “Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center” competition – Wenqi Huang and Yi Yan from the United States!

Wenqi Huang and Yi Yan from the United States

We both graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where we had the opportunity to gain knowledge about cutting-edge and experimental design methodology in the industry. As emerging young architects, we are on our path to explore our interpretation of contemporary architecture.

After graduating from UPenn, Wenqi Huang continued his career path in New York and worked for KPF. Before moving to NYC, he also had architectural experience in Philadelphia, Beijing and Chengdu.

Yi Yan is a young architect based in Miami, Florida, working for Pininfarina of America. He received his Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and gained a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning. Before joining Pininfarina, he acquired internship experience with Zaha Hadid Architects in New York City and worked as a designer and planner in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, in China.

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?

In recent years, Wenqi Huang got several chances to participate in projects of different scales and countries, ranging from the US to the Asia market, from super-tall buildings to interior renovation.

Working for a multidiscipline studio, Yi Yan has been involved in architectural design and interior design. He also has experience in master planning and urban design.

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

Architecture shapes so much of our life experience since it plays an important role in our life. It is playful to keep thinking what we can bring about to this world while we are still doing our job. It would be great if we could seize every opportunity to perfect our work and fully understand the ‘right building’ for the right place. Make sure it’s something unique that has a good story within.

Wenqi Huang and Yi Yan from the United States

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

We see architectural competition as an excellent opportunity to broaden our perspective. It offers us the chance to experience and learn from different cultures, to evolve our ideas, to gain a better understanding of the relationship between humans and architecture.

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

Dream your dream in competitions.