Architecture Competition Hospice - Home For Terminally Ill 3rd prize winner – Caitlin Chin

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd prize winner of our "Hospice - Home For Terminally Ill" competition – Caitlin Chin from Canada! 

Caitlin Chin from Canada

Hello! My name is Caitlin Chin, and I am a recent Ryerson graduate based in Toronto, Canada. After graduating with a Bachelor of Architectural Science degree with distinction, I am now a full-time employee at RH Carter Architects.

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

I believe that architecture is meant to evoke an emotional response and be an immersive experience for its occupants. Good design should serve its functional needs, while striving to create architectural excellence. “Functionality” does not mean the design should be one-dimensional. The role of the architect is ever-changing with a growing responsibility to be an advocate. Architects can strive for new design standards to help address the issues of food shortages, the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and aging populations all around the world. Architects are not the ultimate saviours, but they can start to shift the expectations of the built world to a new calibre.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in architecture competitions to step outside my comfort zone. Although I am typically a practical thinker, architecture competitions allow me the freedom to remove myself from the basis of reality to create more radical designs.

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

There is no growth without fear. Take the step to challenge your thoughts and design process.