Architecture Competition Iceland Cave Tower Honorable mention – Martynas Degutis, Michael Samson and Justus Würtenberger

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our “Iceland Cave Tower” competition – Martynas Degutis, Michael Samson and Justus Würtenberger from Germany!

Martynas Degutis, Michael Samson and Justus Würtenberger from Germany

We met during our bachelor's studies at the University of Applied Science in Darmstadt. Besides the daily life (study/work), we have experiences with cultural associations and several competitions. We share the same perspective and way of thinking, so we decided to come together in order to participate in this particular competition. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and are looking for more.

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?

This competition is the first one for us as a group. We have been friends since our studies and have gained experience in different offices and on different scales. We like having the opportunity to participate in a variety of projects. As junior architects, we do our best to practice and improve our skills. We always love to face new tasks where we are able to share and discuss our knowledge while co-creating new concepts.

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

Architecture is spatial experience. Spatial design is able to improve our life. Space can influence us. Feelings are created by architectural atmosphere. Spatial designers are shaping these atmospheres. So, we believe, architects need to develop an attitude that promotes sustainable development of our environment. We need to be attentive observers of society, keeping the memory of the past, and always looking to develop new ideas of living together in a changing world. Co-create your future!

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Through competitions you are able to express yourself in a very raw and creative way – straight from your soul. An idea is growing without all the noise of daily (work-)life. Viewed upside down, it’s also a way of finding yourself by researching topics you identify with.

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

Never try – never know! As an architect, it’s important to make decisions – brave decisions. How should you learn if you don’t try? So, it is very important to try out, to experiment, to search and study, to discard and start again. Even if you fail – you experience. Go for it!