Architecture Competition Melbourne Affordable Housing Challenge 1st and Student prize winner – Evan Langendorfer

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st and Student prize winner of our “Melbourne Affordable Housing Challenge” competition – Evan Langendorfer from Australia!

Evan Langendorfer from Australia

I have over five years of experience as a successful architectural designer within the United States, where I completed my undergraduate degree and went on to practice in Seattle. Feeling I needed to explore my field and expand my knowledge of the profession, I decided to leave the US to travel and study internationally. Eventually, I moved to Australia to pursue my postgraduate degree because of the value the country places on design and its need for knowledgeable workers within the built environment.

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 had the privilege to work on single and multi-family homes, telecommunications, tenant improvements, mixed-use, high-rise, and master planning schemes. I’ve taken the most pleasure from the challenges brought forth from large-scale projects involving public and residential place making. Some of the most notable projects are the Tacoma Town Center (a 100,000 square meter mixed-use development) and the 8 Tower (a 42-story residential high-rise in Seattle’s downtown).

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

Architecture is a reflection of humanity; our dreams, theories, and beliefs all solidified into tangible and occupiable forms. This synthesis of humanity into architecture gives structures an interesting role, as they encapsulate the past and present ideals of society and can help in guiding future views and stances. The role of an architect is one rooted in empathy. An architect needs to have the ability to understand the occupants that will be utilizing their spaces both now and well into the future in order to develop successful designs. Only then can a designer produce dynamic spaces that are truly enjoyable, sustainable, and enduring.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

The development of real architectural projects comes with a myriad of restrictions. I choose to participate in architectural competitions as a means of eliminating some of these limitations and opening the door to new paradigms and possibilities within my designs. This allows me to push my interests far beyond their typical barriers and produce topical projects that can inspire real world works.

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

Competitions aren’t about winning. It’s about personal or team growth and the knowledge you take away from your submission. If you have postulations, theories, or subjects you’d like to commit to exploring in-depth, then I would highly recommend participating in a competition. Finding a competition that aligns with your interests will help to flesh out and strengthen your projects and solidify you as a designer.