Architecture Competition MICROHOME 2020 Honorable mention – Aiste Rakauskaite, Kiana Mousavi and Savanne Van Harrewijen

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our “MICROHOME 2020” competition – Aiste Rakauskaite, Kiana Mousavi and Savanne Van Harrewijen from Netherlands!

Honorable mention from Netherlands

The three of us come from architectural backgrounds and studied for our master's degree at the Architecture faculty of the TU Delft. We formed this team for the competition to gather members with different strengths. Each one of us provided distinct insights into the project. Aiste and Savanne are the architects of the team, familiar with the complex layers of architectural design. Kiana is the building technologist, specialized in the technical and engineering aspects of architecture.

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?

For us, a design can be influenced through different scales at the same time. Comfortable living conditions are a major principle of our approach, while social factors create and affect communities. That is why we designed the unit and the masterplan of the Purifying Home simultaneously, thinking of the construction of even the smallest joints in the walls. However, sustainability is also a critical aspect of the design. In this context, a circular economy promotes waste management, environmental improvement, and social cohesion.

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

We think of sustainable architecture as part of a bigger system that has an impact on our planet. Therefore, we must be aware of the future we are creating, and not only for ourselves. Flexibility, modularity, design for disassembly, and reuse of materials are all essential factors in shaping an impactful design, and that is what we tried to achieve. With the design of Purifying Home, we intend to show that even a small dwelling can make a difference, and micro-living can still meet the levels of comfort and security that humans need.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are adventures in which we can present our ideas to a worldwide platform. It is indeed a stimulating environment that challenges our mentality and point of view and pushes the boundaries of design.

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

If you are interested in the field that a particular competition is focused on, you will thrive by participating and deliver the best you can. The competition will push your ideas and skills to the next level.