Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill / Edition #4 competition Honorable mention winners - Shaoyu Chen and Xinyi Liu

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Hospice - Home for the Terminally ill / Edition #4 competition – Shaoyu Chen and Xinyi Liu from United States!

Shaoyu Chen and Xinyi Liu

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.

We are recent graduates from Columbia University in New York, having completed our studies in May 2025. We have since founded a company in 2024, called Architank Plus+ LLC, based in New York.

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?

As a newly established company, we have so far participated in several interior design projects, as well as competitions at both the master planning and architectural scales.

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

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society? Architecture is more than the design of buildings—it is the thoughtful creation of spaces that shape how people live, work, and connect. It is both a cultural expression and a functional response to human needs, deeply rooted in context, history, and community. We have always believed that architecture can be a part of saving the world—by addressing urgent global challenges through thoughtful, responsible design. In our view, the architect plays a crucial and multifaceted role. Beyond being designers, architects are problem-solvers, visionaries, and stewards of the built environment. We are responsible for creating spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities. In today's rapidly changing world—marked by urbanization, climate change, and social inequality—architects must also act as advocates, pushing for ethical, resilient, and human-centered design solutions. At Architank Plus+, we believe in architecture as a tool for positive change. As emerging professionals, we aim to contribute meaningfully to our society by designing environments that enrich daily life, foster connection, and reflect the values of the people who inhabit them.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

For Architank Plus+, as a young and emerging studio, competitions are also a powerful platform to share our philosophy with a wider audience. We believe that architecture has the potential to be part of saving the world—by addressing global issues such as sustainability, social equity, and urban transformation through thoughtful, human-centered design. Through competitions, we can contribute to these conversations, present our values, and connect with like-minded designers and thinkers around the world. Ultimately, each competition is not just an opportunity to win, but a chance to grow, reflect, and shape the kind of architecture we believe.

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

Competitions are not just about winning; they are about growth, exploration, and pushing your own boundaries. They give you the freedom to experiment with ideas you might not be able to try in professional or academic settings. Even if your submission doesn't place, the process itself can sharpen your skills, clarify your design voice, and help you better understand what kind of architect you want to become. For us at Architank Plus+, competitions have been a vital platform for developing our philosophy, building our portfolio, and gaining exposure. Especially when you're just starting out, they provide a way to be seen and heard in the broader architectural community. That said, it's important to choose competitions that align with your values and interests, and to treat each one as a learning opportunity—not just a result. If you're passionate about a topic, a site, or a problem, that passion will carry through your work and make the experience worthwhile, no matter the outcome. In short: if you’re curious, take the leap—you have more to gain than you might think.