Architecture Competition Iceland Volcano Lookout Point Honorable mention - ENSA

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Iceland Volcano Lookout Point" competition – Arthur Vincent and Elliott Bellanger from France!

Arthur Vincent and Elliott Bellanger from France

ARTHUR

After high school, I obtained a degree in space design. These three years led me to explore design. I was able to realize different projects, ranging from housing to new creation. This architecture competition allowed me to build up experience and inquire more about this topic. Today, at ENSA Paris Belleville, I am discovering a new kind of architecture: conscious and thoughtful. But also, a method where rigor and creativity coexist with elegance.

ELLIOTT

After high school I went to the Fine Arts School of Annecy, where I obtained my degree in spatial design. These three years allowed me to develop my artistic skills. Whether it is through painting, sculpture, or other forms of creation, I have managed to acquire a new way of thinking. I then chose to pursue it further in the Architecture school of Paris-Belleville, where, forged by the previous years, I can thrive bringing my artistic touch.

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?

For the project, the main goal was to create a space which is hidden in this beautiful landscape, to remain on a human scale. Hverfjall will be able to live with or without this construction, it will be discreet and useful. In this form, four views will identify important places in the Icelandic landscape. The crater of the volcano and Lake Mývatn, the source of the northeast Icelandic landscape, will be directly framed by the structure. Placed on this ridge, our structure then adopts the volcanic history that has shaped this region.

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

The architect is the artist who designs and builds our society. He does not (only) create for himself but for others. As a selfless person, he will try to make life as pleasant as possible for the people for whom he builds. Beyond aesthetics, he will build a world, a universe that will shape the life of its inhabitants over the years.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions/contests are not part of the curriculum of architecture studies, therefore I wanted to take part in one as soon as possible to gain experience. Discovering (new) subjects, each one more varied than the others, while having the freedom to give an answer true to myself. And then to see how other participants responded is very enriching.

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

In order to participate in any project, it must inspire us, and the answer to the question must be an idea which corresponds to our principles. Competitions will allow us to express these ideas and gestures that may never be shared. In addition to that, the multitude of projects will allow us to forge our thoughts and make them evolve so that the next projects will be more successful than the previous ones.