Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill / Edition #4 competition 1st Prize winners - Marinus A Wouters and Britt P H Segeren

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st Prize winners of our Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill / Edition #4 competition – Marinus A Wouters and Britt P H Segeren from Netherlands!

Marinus A Wouters and Britt P H Segeren from Netherlands

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.

Britt: I have been building experience both professionally and academically. I study the master architectural urban design and engineering at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). During my academic carreer, I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Professionally, I completed an internship at Studioninedots in Amsterdam, where I gained valuable experience of concept development and design on different scales and projects. I am currently also working at BB Architecten, where I continue to develop my skills thought involvement in real-world projects.

Mark: I am actively involved in a diverse range of projects, including the design and development of residential, hotel, and leisure facilities. My portfolio features apartment complexes of varying sizes, from small-scale developments to larger projects with up to 50 units. Additionally, I have worked on private residences and have extensive experience managing multiple hotel and leisure expansion projects. Throughout each assignment, I oversee both the architectural design and technical detailing, ensuring seamless integration from concept to completion. My responsibilities include collaborating closely with clients, engineers, and contractors to deliver innovative, functional, and sustainable solutions that meet high standards of quality and efficiency.

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?

Britt: During my studies and work experience, I have been involved in projects across a wide range of scales. From the urban to the architectural and down to the detail level or interior. So far, I have found that I enjoy working on all of them equally. What interests me most is not just a single scale, but how the different layers interact with one another. Because of course, the large-scale decisions influence smaller ones, and vice versa. Most of my experience lies in housing and transformation projects. These types of assignments have allowed me to explore both spatial complexity and social relevance. I particularly enjoy projects where I can maintain an overview while also engaging with the in-between scales, where much of the architectural richness and nuance happens. Mark: I am actively involved in a diverse range of projects, including the design and development of residential, hotel, and leisure facilities. My portfolio includes apartment complexes of various sizes, from small-scale developments to larger projects with up to 50 units. Additionally, I have worked on private residences and possess extensive experience in managing multiple hotel and leisure expansion projects. Throughout each assignment, I oversee both the architectural design and technical detailing to ensure seamless integration from concept to completion. My responsibilities involve working closely with clients, engineers, and contractors to deliver innovative, functional, and sustainable solutions that meet high standards of quality and efficiency.

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

Architecture, for us, is a way to explore and understand the world around us. Every project presents a new and exciting challenge, shaped by its unique context, culture, social influences, and technical aspects. We are deeply fascinated by how these layers interact and influence the built environment. For us, architecture goes beyond simply constructing buildings; it is a powerful tool for storytelling and creating spaces that truly resonate with people. We believe that the role of the architect in society is to shape environments that not only meet practical needs but also elevate the quality of life by fostering meaningful experiences. Architecture has the power to influence how we live, work, and connect with one another. We feel incredibly grateful to be part of this profession and to contribute to a world that is both functional and inspiring

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

What made this so interesting was the complete freedom to think beyond strict rules and conceptual constraints. The liberty that such a competition offers allows you to explore the limits of your own creativity. We both found the role we played in this project incredibly rewarding, as it involved working on a hospice, a facility with a significant societal function. We wanted to contribute something valuable and sensitive that could make a difference for others. During the design journey, this collaboration led to a dynamic progression, moving from the site and concept to detailed development. We wanted to experience firsthand how it feels to work together as an architecture student and an experienced architect. The collaboration created a unique cross pollination, sparking engaging discussions and exchanges throughout the process. We also find working from a conceptual perspective particularly exciting because it opens up space for innovation and new ways of seeing. By combining freedom, creativity, and collaboration, we not only learned a lot but also truly enjoyed the process itself.

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

If you’re unsure whether participating in an architecture competition is beneficial for you, my advice is to definitely give it a shot. It’s always worth investing in yourself by diving into a new project, even if you don’t take home the prize. If as a designer you ever want to think outside the box, break free from conventional approaches, and explore your concepts freely, entering a competition is definitely highly recommended. It’s a valuable experience that fosters creativity and growth, and you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.