Architecture Competition Iceland Volcano Lookout Point Honorable mention - UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Iceland Volcano Lookout Point" competition – Maxim Seitter from United States!

Maxim Seitter from United States

Currently, I am a Master of Architecture student at the University of Texas at Austin and hold an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida. As an architecture student, I consistently question how spatial qualities can influence the way we understand and interact with the surrounding environment. Using design to influence a certain understanding of the world around us is always at the centre of my decision making.

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?

When addressing a design prompt, I focus on the published prompt and the hidden prompt: my own personal design agenda; my mission statement. I typically centre around the idea of how one can be implicitly maneuvered to operate within a space – and how this can leverage the way we interact with space, each other, and the site.

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

Architecture is a medium to rebound, rethink, and reconsider existing realities. The role of an architect in society is to set how far the boundary of design is while challenging fractured norms.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

There is always a consistent struggle with decision-making and self-doubt that I continually experience. Participating in architecture competitions excitingly positions you to face that discomfort and come to a resolution.

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

Deciding to participate in architecture competitions can be rather heavy, especially when considering time management. However, participating in architecture competitions allows you to understand design narratives outside of the academic and professional context. It allows for a new method of understanding design. It allows for a new sense of design agency.