Architecture Competition Iceland Volcano Lookout Point 1st prize winners – Francisco Saraiva and David Matos

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize winners of our "Iceland Volcano Lookout Point" competition – Francisco Saraiva and David Matos from Portugal!

1st prize winners from Portugal

David Matos (Porto, 1977) first graduated in Interior Design (ESAD) and during the following years worked for a midsize furniture industry in Portugal. He then joined Isao Hosoe Design studio in Milan as an industrial designer, and in 2007 moved to Barcelona to undergo an MA in Interactive Media (ESDi) and fully immerse into visual design and art direction. Since 2010, he has provided independent design services to a small list of cultural agents, institutions, and companies worldwide. David is also the design director at Node Center for Curatorial Studies in Berlin, where he lived until 2020. He currently lives and works in Porto. David likes fencing, motorcycles, and consistently changing his opinion.

Francisco Saraiva (Porto, 1976) graduated in architecture and has been developing projects for buildings, public spaces, and gardens. He earned a Master in Sustainable Built Environment to develop techniques that enable more sustainable buildings. In addition to professional practice, he is working on a PhD in Landscape Architecture and Urban Ecology, where he seeks to expand knowledge on urban green spaces. In his professional activity, he has held management positions in the development of various projects.

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?

Mostly small-scale projects in sustainable architecture, urban design, industrial design, graphic design.

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

Architecture aims at bringing meaning to neutrality or chaos.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We don’t. This is our first.

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

Do it with a friend and enjoy it or do something else instead.