Architecture Competition Legendary Bird Home 2020 Honorable mention - The University of Western Australia

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our “Legendary Bird Home 2020” competition - Monroe Sydney Masa from Australia.

Monroe Sydney Masa from Australia

I’m a 4th year Master of Architecture student at the University of Western Australia. During my current academic studies, I have come to the belief that architecture cannot be constrained, nor can it be completely standardized as each site is different. Challenging the normative ideas that define our present ethos allows us to design structures that are contextually appropriate by having a strong response towards context.

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?

I currently work with a prominent artist, assisting her on variously-sized public and commercial projects. At university, I have worked on many different projects of various sizes; however, my interest tends to focus on small scale projects where I’m able to experience and contribute to all stages of design. My design thinking is formed from my past experiences and focuses on context, site, sensitivity and ephemerality.

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

Part 1: Architecture means more than just informing the built form, it has a direct implication on the built typology, spirit of place and the standard of living. However, the most important aspect is architecture’s ability to inform our perception of society.

Part 2: Architects have a significant role within past, present and future society as they assist in creating a sense of being. Also, they shape people’s interaction with the built environment and each other.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Vision competitions are an important outlet for architects and students, they provide a platform where people can express their ideas to like-minded individuals without the constraints of budget or pragmatism. Competitions are important within our field because they allow us to pursue our endeavor to define the zeitgeist of the 21st century.

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

When participating in architecture vision competitions, people shouldn’t only focus on the monetary value. These competitions should be seen as a platform where you can gauge your ability against other like-minded people. However, it is important to note that the competition chosen should be aligned with your interests to assist in masking the fact that you may not be monetarily rewarded for your work.