Architecture competition Modern Collective Living Challenge Honorable mention - University of Ferrara

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of the Honorable mention of our “Modern Collective Living Challenge” competition -  Sixin Liang, Su Wu and Taifu Zheng from Italy!

Sixin Liang, Su Wu and Taifu Zheng from Italy

We are three Chinese students currently studying architecture at University of Ferrara in Italy.

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

The world is changing fast: populations are increasing, resources are reducing, and technology is growing so fast that the traditional value of architecture can hardly meet human needs.

Today, modern architecture has to deal with the uncertainty and complexity of the society we live in.

To find certainty within uncertainty, architects need to change the perspective, and to compromise, because we won’t be as powerful as we once were by giving an absolute answer, but we still can be very important and influential by giving the possibilities, by believing the temporariness has a better long term impact.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Participating in architecture vision competitions is an opportunity for us to challenge our own understandings of architecture, and to speak our own thoughts out loud. It's a journey through which we give our best, hopefully to contribute on the subject, and at the same time, it gives back to us. We improve ourselves, and we get even more motivated and passionate to prepare for the next journey.

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

It’s all about trying it out, going through the process. All the research you’ve done, all the thoughts you’ve got, you try and you deny and you try again, little by little you break through. After that eventually your work will get recognised, or maybe not, but it always gives you back something. The satisfaction, not only because you’ve created something, but also you’ve done it for some higher purpose – to serve people.