Howard Waterfall Retreat competition Honorable mention winners - Hongyang Deng, Bocan Cheng, Muyao Ma and Laowanhsi Nang

We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Howard Waterfall Retreat Competition – Hongyang Deng, Bocan Cheng, Muyao Ma and Laowanhsi Nang from China!

Hongyang Deng, Bocan Cheng, Muyao Ma and Laowanhsi Nang

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.

Master's student in Architecture at Shenzhen University: Deng Hongyang, Chinese nationality;
Master's student in Architecture at Southeast University: Nang Laowanhsi, Burmese nationality;
Undergraduate student at Southeast University: Cheng Bocan, Chinese nationality;
Undergraduate student at Southeast University: Ma Muyao, Chinese nationality.

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?

We personally prefer medium- and small-sized projects, such as residences, hotels, and reception centers.

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

In our view, architecture is not an isolated static entity, but a vivid product intertwined with time and space. Rooted in specific historical and geographical contexts, it bears the needs of the present while transcending time in physical form, continuously influencing people's daily lives and spiritual perceptions across generations. It is not merely an occupation of land; rather, through the meticulous control of light and shadow, materials, and spatial scale, it awakens the site's memories and emotional resonance. This allows users to perceive the uniqueness of the environment and establish a spiritual connection with the land. In the society I live in, architects are "translators of time and space" and "weavers of life". On one hand, we must understand the historical and cultural context of a site and translate it into architectural language suitable for the contemporary era; on the other hand, we need to balance functionality, aesthetics, and humanistic care. This ensures that architecture not only meets practical needs, but also becomes a carrier that nourishes the soul and conveys warmth, contributing to building a society with memorable and emotional spaces.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

An architectural competition is a high-intensity exercise in design. The time limits and content requirements can greatly enhance one’s ability to integrate information and express ideas, while also allowing participants to transcend regional limitations, engage with diverse site conditions, and foster innovative thinking.

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

Of course, participating in competitions requires a significant investment of time and energy, and the returns are highly uncertain. When considering whether to take part in an architectural competition, one should first assess whether there is sufficient time available and whether their own capabilities can meet the competition's demands. A careful decision should be made, and once committed, one must overcome difficulties and persevere.