Iceland Slow Sauna competition Honorable mention winners - Milan Marko M Engström and Benoit Lagarde

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our Iceland Slow Sauna competition – Milan Marko M Engström and Benoit Lagarde from France!

Milan Marko M Engström and Benoit Lagarde

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.

Recently graduated we don’t have an independent practice of our own yet but we are entitled to work both as architects and engineers with structure and climate specialisations. We have a particular interest in small-scale architectures with sustainable designs and precise detailing, and would welcome any opportunity to work on projects directly related to the natural environments and biodiversity. We believe this type of architecture is a powerful way to highlight our natural environment, its beauty, its richness, but also the profound changes it is currently undergoing. Beyond shaping the way we live and influencing how spaces are used, I believe architects have an important role in shaping the relationship between people and their environment and in helping that relationship evolve in a more thoughtful and sustainable way.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are a great way to explore subjects we are passionate about, continue developing our creativity and enjoy working on ideas that we might not have the opportunity to address in everyday practice. They are also an excellent way to keep practicing, experimenting, and improving as designers.

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

Find a subject you like, a topic that genuinely inspires you. Once you do, architecture competitions become a fantastic opportunity to improve your skills, experiment with new ideas, and have fun exploring subjects outside your daily work.