Architecture Competition Iceland Lake Myvatn Community House Honorable mention – Columbia GSAPP

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Iceland Lake Myvatn Community House" competition – Changbin Kim, Seokhyun Kim, Jisoo Kim and Sunghyun Kim from United States!

Honorable mention winners from United States

We are four designers based in New York and have been working together for over two years. All of us graduated from Columbia GSAPP and started the project two years ago while sharing our views on architecture and urbanism in various classes, which led us to participate in various design competitions together.

Since two members of our team majored in urban design and the other two in advanced architecture design, we are able to think of both architectural and urban details, leading to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the project. From the time of the design development, the emphasis of our studio is to find the most well-rounded design solution while debating and sharing different perspectives.

To further enrich the project, our team starts with a lively and collaborative design charette, in which we openly present various opinions, regardless of feasibility. We enjoy the process of formulating these initial thoughts so we are able to define a clearer path toward the final design. After multiple iterations, we decide on a final scheme that incorporates multiple stakeholders’ needs while also making a valuable contribution to architecture and urbanism.

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?

Our projects are mainly focused on international competitions. Among them, we are particularly interested in content related to architecture operating in harmony with nature. Participating in the competition is only the first step in improving our capabilities. Due to our interdisciplinary focus, we are able to operate on multiple scales and typologies, from as small as a park bench or a small house, to as large as complex cultural, mixed-use facilities, and everywhere in-between.

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

As architectural and urban designers, we provide solutions to enrich the built environment and enhance natural systems. We think that cities and architecture should have a positive but long-lasting effect on both people and the environment. With our projects, we seek to have a sustainable social, economic, and environmental impact. In short, architecture is the WINDOW that enables us to interact with the world.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

TO OPEN THE WINDOW! In addition, we have support from the  ‘Architectural Design Human Resource Development Project’ which is promoted by the Korea Agency for Infrastructure, Technology Advancement. From their help, we feel more supported to achieve Ketchup&Mustard’s design vision - which you can see through our proposal for the Iceland Lake Myvatn Community House Competition.

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

Just do it.