Architecture Competition Iceland Movie Pavilion Honorable mention winner - Youngil Kim

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our "Iceland Movie Pavilion" competition – Youngil Kim from South Korea!

Youngil Kim from South Korea

I have completed an architecture course in Australia and gained professional experience in both Australia and Korea. Through my work, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from single-family homes to hotel buildings.

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?

Currently, I am working on a cultural complex project in Jeju Island that aims to create a space for people to appreciate and engage with the culture. While I enjoy working on a range of projects, I am particularly drawn to small-scale projects, such as residential buildings, that allow me to focus on intricate and well-crafted details. At the same time, I believe that architects have a responsibility to contribute to the public good and reflect the values of society. Therefore, I also enjoy working on public projects that serve the community in meaningful ways.

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

I am drawn to the experiential aspect of architecture. I find it rewarding to discover a well-designed corner of a space and spend time in it, experiencing a transcendent moment where the physical environment elevates my spiritual state, similar to the way we are uplifted by nature. This is why I am passionate about creating spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience. Architecture can serve a similar purpose as nature, in that it can provide a transcendent experience that elevates the human spirit. However, good architecture goes beyond this by also reflecting the values and beliefs of the society in which it is created. In other words, architecture can help people understand the culture and society in which they live. As an architect, I strive to create spaces that not only inspire and uplift, but also contribute positively to the community and reflect its values.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Challenges are an integral part of a designer's experience, and I believe that they are essential for growth and development. I find it particularly meaningful to tackle architectural design competitions, as they provide an opportunity to test my skills and creativity in a competitive environment. Through these challenges, I have developed strategies to approach complex problems and have gained valuable experience in developing solutions that meet specific project requirements. Overall, I view challenges as a valuable learning opportunity, and I embrace them as a way to continuously improve and develop my skills as an architect.

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

Designers view architecture competitions as a valuable tool for assessing their skills and strategies. Rather than being afraid of these challenges, designers embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow. Through architecture competitions, designers can gain exposure to a variety of project types, explore innovative solutions, and expand their skill set.