Kinderspace #3 competition 1st and Student Award winners - Cairo University

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st and Student Prize winners of our Kinderspace #3 competition – Sama Osama Nassef Tawfik, Marly Azmy and Mariam Khaled from Egypt! 

Sama Osama Nassef Tawfik, Marly Azmy and Mariam Khaled

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

Our team was formed during our first year at the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Department of Architecture, in 2022. We are currently still architecture students, and since the beginning of our studies we have been collaborating on various academic and design projects. Our team consists of three members who share a strong passion for architecture and design. Throughout our time at the university, we have worked together to develop creative and thoughtful architectural ideas while continuing to build our knowledge and experience through our academic journey.

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?

During our studies, we have worked on several architectural projects as part of our design courses at the university. These include projects such as a university building, a child development center, and a youth hostel. In addition to our academic work, we have also gained practical experience through training in professional environments, where we were exposed to real architectural projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and other ongoing developments. In most of our projects, our design approach focused on understanding human behavior within spaces and responding to users’ needs. We always aim to consider how people interact with architecture and ensure that the design addresses their functional, social, and emotional requirements.

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

For us, architecture is more than just buildings; it is the way we understand and interact with the world around us. It represents our perspective on spaces, environments, and how people experience them in their daily lives. Architecture is also something we are deeply passionate about, and it influences the way we observe and analyze everything around us. The role of the architect in society is essential, as architects are responsible for shaping the built environment. They design and plan new projects that influence how people live, work, and interact within their communities.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We decided to participate in this competition because we found its scope interesting and different from what we usually work on. It presented an opportunity to explore new ideas and challenge ourselves creatively. In general, we enjoy participating in architecture competitions because they encourage imagination, learning, and healthy competition. They allow us to test new concepts, develop our design thinking, and learn from other participants.

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

Our advice would be to participate with confidence and an open mind. Regardless of the final result, the experience itself is extremely valuable. Competitions allow participants to explore new ideas, experiment with design approaches, and see how other architects think and solve problems. This exposure helps develop creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth.