Architecture Competition MICROHOME 2019 3rd prize winner - Raina Kanari

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd prize winner of our “MICROHOME 2019 ” competition - Raina Kanari from Sweden!

Raina Kanari from Sweden

I decided I wanted to be an architect from an early age. At the age of 18 I moved to Italy where I studied for both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Architecture at Politecnico di Milano. I also studied one year at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico as part of the Erasmus student-exchange program. I graduated in 2014 and I moved to Cyprus where I worked for two years for a local office. In 2017, I moved to Stockholm for personal reasons and I am currently doing an intensive Swedish language course. During my language studies it is important for me to continue being active in architecture, that’s why I participate in architectural competitions.

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 company/ individuals have been involved?

During my previous employment, I worked mainly on large-scale projects in the Middle East. Lately, I have been very interested in small scale residential projects and that is why I participated in the Microhome competition.

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

I believe that architecture reflects the values of our culture. We spend a big part of our lives inside buildings, so in a way, architecture shapes our lives. Architecture should be used as a tool to improve our everyday lives and our wellbeing.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

I participate in architecture vision competitions mainly to challenge myself. I see it as a tool for learning and an opportunity to be creative and experiment with new ideas. Architecture vision competitions offer a freedom of expression that is otherwise restricted when you work for an office or a client.

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 is a great way for developing new ideas and concepts. The best thing would be to find a competition that you really find interesting and try to commit to it early on so you can have time to develop your idea and present it nicely. You get to challenge yourself, be creative and even if you don’t win you can gain a lot from the experience.