Iceland Beer Spa Honorable mention winners - Santiago Manuel Landin Portela, Jose Gómez Carbonell and Pilar Serratosa

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "Iceland Beer Spa" competition – Santiago Manuel Landin Portela, Jose Gómez Carbonell and Pilar Serratosa from Spain!

Jose Gómez Carbonell, Pilar Serratosa and Santiago Manuel Landin Portela

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.

Pilar, Jose and Yago are three architects who have joined forces to form 3+Studio, an initiative that aims to address architectural and artistic projects of various kinds. We met while studying at UPM (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) and together we have developed parallel careers, nowadays in Barcelona. We believe that we share a common vision of architecture and design and we decided to get together to enter an architectural competition in order to put into practice our way of designing as a team.

Pilar combines her work at BIG with her passion for designing handmade products. In addition, her interest in sustainability led her to study a master's degree on this subject, which she applies both in her professional life and in her designs.

Jose currently works at L35 Architects and has developed professionally in different architecture studios (BIG, LANK Arquitectes...). In his spare time he enjoys organising events related to architecture and art.

Yago works at L35 Architects after an early period at estudio Herreros. He is currently studying a master's degree in architectural infography and is involved in the design and development of projects independently.

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?

In our offices we are used to working on projects of different scales and architectural approaches ranging from singular buildings to the urban scale. Having participated in the development of projects in their different phases, our trajectory has led us on multiple occasions to participate with our studios in international competitions, in some cases being awarded first prize.

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

At 3+Studio we believe that the figure of the individual architect is obsolete. We seek synergy when designing and we all contribute part of our vision to achieve a common aesthetic under which we feel represented. The figure of the architect must provide innovation and aesthetics at the same time as it offers a service. We believe that architecture is present in all areas of life and has both a physical and psychological impact. Beyond mere functionalism, architecture must provide comfort and create atmospheres and experiences that contribute to improving the user's life quality. The architect must be aware of the responsibility he has in translating his ideas into the physical environment, a design cannot be understood without being linked to a sustainable and responsible execution with the environment and available resources.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We view competitions as a perfect exercise for testing creativity and exploring innovative proposals. They present a challenge for us and offer an opportunity to seek solutions to current problems. Additionally, competitions serve as a means to reach out and create a community among colleagues in the profession.

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

Architecture competitions are a great opportunity to explore your resources as an architect. It offers a perfect setting to unleash your creativity by experimenting with new ideas that take you out of your routine and out of your comfort zone. It also helps you to develop your own criteria through hard work and dedication.