Architecture competition Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center honorable mention - Federico Rodriguez Fragela and Elías Martínez Ojeda

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of one of our Honorable mentions for the “Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center” competition - Federico Rodriguez Fragela and Elías Martínez Ojeda from Uruguay!

Federico Rodriguez Fragela and Elías Martínez Ojeda from Uruguay

We both teach project courses in FADU, UdelaR, in Uruguay, as part of the Taller Scheps workshop. In this field we have the opportunity to share several academic trips with students visiting different parts of the world. Exchanging many different points of view of our discipline, ​experiencing many places and spaces, visiting schools, professional offices, etc

This competition is the third project we’ve done together, even though we have separate practice activities, and also have participated in many national and international competitions as part of other teams.

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 company/ individuals have been involved?

We have differents experiences in architectural projects related to different scales. Interventions in public spaces, city planning, institutional headquarters, small architecture, etc.

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

Architecture is that artistic manifestation that, through the relation of forms and light, achieves in the beauty, the functional. In this way it assumes the commitment to elevate the spirit of the individual through the work. In our country, society has not yet recognized the importance of the role of architecture. At the same time, the architects do not fully understand their social commitment.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

We understand that the true value of an architectural project comes from the discussion between different opinions of the subject. Likewise, we believe that being participants of this exchange of different points of view enriches the professional formation of those who dare to do so. 

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

We find in competitions the space to meet with our peers and discuss what we are passionate about, architecture. If you understand that simple premise as an opportunity then it will have been worth it.