Architecture Competition Iceland Thermal Springs Guest House 3rd prize winner - Marwan Hamama

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd prize winner of our “Iceland Thermal Springs Guest House” competition - Marwan Hamama from France!

Marwan Hamama from France

I studied architecture at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris Val de Seine (ENSAPVS). I am currently working on public equipment programs (school and sports) within a Parisian agency.

Interested in all scales of project, I like to work on simple architecture, with the aim of finding the best solutions for architectural design. I like to pay particular attention to the choice of different materials in relation to the context of the project.

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

Architecture is the interaction between the people who inhabit it and their senses through a "tekhné". The architect is the one who, in the shadows, organizes these meetings. This role of mediator involves a triple listening (users, senses, as well as one's own experience) to compose an appropriate architecture. The increasing complexity of our profession requires the architects to constantly synthesize the variety of parameters that impact architecture.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competition?

It's a stimulation. It keeps my mind constantly alert and open. It also allows me to confront new topics and specific contexts. It is an opportunity to be able to express myself freely and to perfect my architectural style.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would beneficial for them in architecture vision competition?

Don't be afraid to put yourself in danger. Even if you don't necessarily win, you emerge enriched and grown from this type of competition.