Architecture competition "Modern Collective Living Challenge" 2nd prize and Student award winner - Kazan State University

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of the 2nd prize and Student award of our “Modern Collective Living Challenge” competition - Gabdrakhmanova Ilsiyar from Russian Federation!

Gabdrakhmanova Ilsiyar from Russian Federation

Now I am in my second year of a Master's program in the studio of experimental architectural design TIArch, under the of Ilnar and Rezeda Akhtiamovs at Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering (Russia). Our studio, where students of different years of education are trained, focuses not only on architectural design in the framework of the curriculum, but also on participation in international architectural competitions, since this experience offers great opportunities for students.

I stand for the future of green cities, where the greenery will grow not only on the ground, but also on the roofs and facades of buildings. Therefore, mostly my project’s theme is green architecture. I focus on the practical application of greenery, namely the cultivation of agricultural products in the city. I consider green farms in the urban structure not as an element of mass cultivation of agricultural products, but as a rejection of a product grown with the use of chemical treatment and the transition of citizens to a healthy diet. In the future, people will have the opportunity to have their own small garden outside the city apartment window. And they will always have fresh fruits and vegetables on their table. I developed the theme of growing agricultural products in the city in my Bachelor’s thesis project. I continue to study this topic in my Master’s program and looking for options and ways to implement.

WHAT DOES ARCHITECTURE MEAN TO YOU AND WHAT IS THE ROLE OF AN ARCHITECT IN YOUR SOCIETY?

Architecture for me is not only a set of competently-placed architectural elements and structures (walls, columns, ceilings, stairs, play of light and shadow, etc.). It is something more. The architect creates a new space that has its own idea and is able to influence in some way the emotions of a person, his consciousness, and even the upbringing and personality formation. By giving new life to the place, the architect restores it and fills the "white spots" of the city structure. Even small interventions of the architect in problem areas of the city can greatly affect the city as a whole. Therefore, the architect occupies an important role in society.

WHY DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN ARCHITECTURE VISION COMPETITIONS?

Participation in architectural competitions allows me and my colleagues in the studio to apply our own ideas and practice author's methods in the process of solving various architectural problems.This can be both small design tasks, and large conceptual works, for example, the concept of territory development. Participating in contests brings up such important qualities for the architect, such as the ability to quickly switch from one task to another and the ability to complete work on time.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO INDIVIDUALS WHO STRUGGLE TO DECIDE WHETHER IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN ARCHITECTURE VISION COMPETITIONS?

Participation in architecture vision competitions is not just an interesting and useful experience in the process of professional development, but also a great way to express yourself and your school.