Kinderspace / Edition #2 competition Student Prize winner - Silvia-Elena Maxim

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Student Prize winners of our Kinderspace / Edition #2 competition – Silvia-Elena Maxim from Romania!

Silvia-Elena Maxim

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.

I began my studies at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism in Timișoara in 2019 and graduated in 2025. I also had the opportunity to study in Granada, Spain, through the Erasmus program, an experience that broadened my cultural and academic horizons. These experiences played a significant role in shaping me both professionally and personally, helping me view the world and architecture from multiple perspectives.

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?

Throughout my university years, I took part in numerous architecture workshops and camps, which gave me the opportunity to collaborate with peers and professionals, while strengthening my practical skills and architectural vision. Most of these projects focused on restoration and architectural heritage, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the value of historical architecture. I also participated in Bright Cityscapes, an event centered around urban planning and contemporary urban development, which helped me explore the strategic dimension of city design.

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

For me, architecture is the element that connects people and helps them live in the present moment, while being rooted in the past (history) and oriented towards the future. Architecture should respond to people’s needs by promoting the identity of the place it originates from. In this way, architecture is not just a building; it conveys a message and a feeling that binds you to a special place.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

This is a new experience for me, but I chose to participate in this competition to step out of my comfort zone. The theme of my project is personal, it tells my story and the story of my neighborhood. I wanted to look where no one else would, in a forgotten place, and find value and strength in memory, history, and identity.

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

You have nothing to lose; moreover, throughout this process, I felt a positive pressure that motivated me to believe I can do more and better. I think it is a tremendous opportunity that these competitions exist because they give you the chance to grow and discover different perspectives and approaches to the same theme.