Kinderspace green award competition participants - Zirui Wang-Pengcheng Yang

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the GREEN AWARD prize winner of our "Kinderspace competition – Zirui Wang!

Zirui Wang

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.

We are a Melbourne-based team of architecture graduates who completed our master’s degrees at the University of Melbourne. Each of us works at a local architectural studio, contributing to various projects across different typologies. Our shared background allows us to merge academic insights with real-world practice, shaping our approach to design with both research and practical experience.

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?

Within our respective practices, we have contributed to a diverse range of projects, including community spaces, educational institutions, residential developments, and infrastructure projects. Individually, we have a strong interest in education and community-oriented design due to their social impact and public significance. These typologies offer unique challenges and opportunities to foster inclusivity, engagement, and long-term sustainability.

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

Coming from both Australian and Chinese backgrounds, we recognize the architect’s responsibility in bridging cultural and societal narratives. Despite regional differences, our role remains consistent—shaping spaces that carry cultural significance and social value. In Australia, this extends to engaging with Indigenous land heritage, respecting and integrating multicultural influences, and prioritizing sustainable development. Beyond the built environment, architects have the responsibility to provoke societal reflection, inspiring discussions on better living environments and spaces that nurture personal and collective growth.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

While working in local architectural practices, we see competitions as an opportunity to push the boundaries of our architectural exploration. They provide a platform to test experimental ideas and challenge conventional design approaches. Beyond that, competitions allow us to express our architectural vision freely and contribute our voices to broader design conversations.

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

For both students and practicing architects, competitions are a great way to develop critical thinking and challenge design conventions. They offer a space for exploration, experimentation, and learning beyond everyday practice. More importantly, competitions foster a culture of shared ideas, allowing architects to learn from one another and contribute to a larger design discourse.