Los Angeles Affordable Housing Challenge 2nd and Student prize winner - Harshwardhan Jitendra Kotwal

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd and Student prize winner of our "Los Angeles Affordable Housing Challenge" competition – Harshwardhan Jitendra Kotwal from Australia!

Harshwardhan Jitendra Kotwal

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 am a recent graduate with Master of Architecture from University of Adelaide, Australia. I have completed Bachelor of Design in Architecture from University of Technology, Sydney. Since my undergraduate degree, I have been in the built environment sector for about 2 years and gained an experience in Architecture, Interior and Urban Design projects. I have been awarded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India for an Urban Design Project Competition and felicitated by Municipal Commissioner and Mayor of the City.

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?

I have gained an experience for about 2 years in architecture, interior and urban design project. Within each field, I worked on integrated township project, interior turnkey, and urban scale project where I learnt to: Liase with engineers and consultants Negotiate with suppliers and vendors Conduct evaluation and assessment Facilitated with site surveys Generate contract and revision drawings Initiate project planning

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

Architecture is a representation of a society and its people. Architecture is more than just the built environment, it’s also a part of our culture. Human Impact has pushed earth into the Anthropocene where changes in climate started to materialize the landscape and territories. In this era, we as architectural designer should consider the social, economic, and cultural impacts of architecture on the society. My interest in architecture is to utilize the context as a reservoir of potential resources that link the network and the creative process, allowing science and technology to be harnessed & repurposed beyond its usual application that is endured through both innovation and preservation.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

As a recent graduate, architecture competitions help me test my approach and design solutions in a realistic setting. They give me confidence and positivity in my design process and approach, providing a strong guideline for future works.