Architecture Competition Milan Affordable Housing Challenge Honorable mention winner – National United University

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Milan Affordable Housing Challenge" competition – De-Yu Hou, Gen Luo and You-Wei Jhang from Taiwan!

We are three students from the Department of Architecture at National United University in Miaoli City, Taiwan. Growing up in this diverse and open island nation has given us unique perspectives on architecture design and a willingness to embrace different viewpoints. In school, we not only acquire knowledge and skills but also learn the importance of humility and respect for the land and nature. We believe that the essence of architecture design lies in the harmonious relationship between nature and humans, and it is through finding a balance that we can create mutually beneficial outcomes.

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?

As college students, our involvement has primarily focused on paper design and strategic planning. We have participated in projects related to sustainable elementary campus design, social housing design, and urban-scale space design and planning, including discussions and planning for issues such as monumental spaces. Additionally, we actively engage in the University Social Responsibility (USR) program, which encompasses community planning, public space design, and negotiations with local residents to understand the needs of the users.

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

For us, architecture is a process of addressing the interaction between humans and the environment, and offering poetic solutions. It has the power to strike a balance between human needs and the environment, ultimately making the world more beautiful and livable as a whole.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

By exploring different horizons and observing how people in various corners of the world live their lives and face various challenges, we gain valuable insights. These experiences shape our future design considerations, allowing us to apply them to our designs and create more thoughtful and meaningful solutions.

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

Architecture competitions not only broaden one's horizons but also enhance problem-solving skills through the process. Engaging with diverse topics enables participants to develop a better understanding of how the world operates from different perspectives. Furthermore, teamwork fosters cooperation and negotiation skills, which are essential in architectural design.