Iceland Beer Spa 1st prize winners - Jingyi Xu and Junfu Cui

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize winners of our "Iceland Beer Spa" competition – Jingyi Xu and Junfu Cui from United States!

Jingyi Xu and Junfu Cui

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.

Jingyi and Junfu both pursued their studies in Advanced Architectural Design at Cornell University. Currently, Jingyi is employed at HOK, while Junfu works at SOM.

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 are both involved in numerous large-scale projects, yet we share a mutual interest in exploring intriguing small-scale endeavors, particularly those with unique program requirements.

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

Architecture serves as the bridge between the land and its inhabitants, bearing witness to and encapsulating the essence of society.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

While larger firms may prioritize commercial projects, we aim to maintain a sharp focus on pushing the boundaries of design creativity.

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

Let's dive in without hesitation, regardless of the outcome. In the process, we'll generate a plethora of valuable ideas and concepts, which are the true treasures.