Architecture Competition Gaudi La Coma Artists’ Residences 2nd prize winner – Matthew Pratt

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winner of our "Gaudi La Coma Artists’ Residences" competition – Matthew Pratt from United Kingdom!

Matthew Pratt from United Kingdom

I have worked in the architectural field for thirteen years, having spent time at a number of larger practices and more recently at a smaller architectural studio. My broad and varying experience has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of different scales of projects. Through Map Works, my personal testing ground of architectural ideas, my work explores themes of the natural world, the ornate, the sculptural and the playful. Striving for creations a little less ordinary, my work aims to challenge the mundane - to surprise and delight in equal measure.

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?

I’ve had the chance to work on a wide variety of projects and scales. I have played a key role on significant International projects and developments, in a variety of sectors. More recently my move to a smaller office has shifted my focus towards the smaller and more bespoke scale of private houses and small arts projects, complimenting the developer driven design of the larger companies.

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

Architecture provides personality and expression to the streets: just as a writer creates identities for their characters, an architect creates individuality and breathes life into spaces. An architect’s work should be representative of the narrative of its time – each building displaying a reflection of culture and society. As a writer doesn’t opt to write dull characters, an architect should do the same!

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architectural competitions allow a sense of freedom to test my own ideas and inventions, free from client constraints and agendas of office life. To me, they provide the perfect training and challenge of my own architectural ability and provide a welcome break for architectural self-reflection.

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

Architectural competitions allow a forum to express your own identity, and provides the ideal arena to test your own creations. Dream big, then make it a reality!