Architecture Competition MICROHOME/ Edition 3 (2021) 2nd prize winner – Helmuts Nežborts

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winner of our "MICROHOME/ Edition 3 (2021)" competition – Helmuts Nežborts from Latvia!

2nd prize winner from Latvia

I finished my master's degree in Architecture in 2019 at Riga Technical University, Latvia. In 2016, I studied at Aachen Technical University during an Erasmus exchange programme. For the last 5 years I have worked at different architecture practices on a wide range of building types.

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?

During my academic years I put a large emphasis on sustainable vernacular design. The best example of this is my Saint-Gobain student contest, 2018 national stage winning submission. Lately I'm more focused on housing affordability and how to achieve it while being environmentally responsible.

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

Architecture has always been a representation of the society's contemporary cultural and philosophical state. In this sense an architect's role is to embody the character of its users into the built environment, and architecture at its greatest creates a symbiosis between it and its users.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

To challenge and develop myself professionally.

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

Competitions are a good place to experiment on new ideas by going an extra step further. It's better to start early and develop necessary skills that are needed later in a professional career.