Architecture Competition MICROHOME / Edition #4 2nd prize winners – Antoine Chauvin and Jean d’Ursel

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winners of our "MICROHOME #4" competition – Antoine Chauvin and Jean d’Ursel from France!

2nd prize winners from France

We created MTN Architectes in 2021 after having met while working at Pietri Architectes, a firm based in Paris. We gathered to participate in competitions, research, and small-scale projects. Antoine Chauvin studied architecture and art history in Paris, while Jean d’Ursel studied architectural engineering. These two complementary backgrounds created a strong bond and a will to create ideas together.

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?

We both have been working mostly on collective housing projects around Paris for different architecture firms. We have also taken part in various competitions for smaller-scale projects.

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

Architecture is the story that we create to live our lives with meaning. It is always in sync with the challenges of its time. And we think that the challenge of our time is climate action. Good architects are essential to society. An architect is the guardian of the common interest in the development of cities. He is a shield against the negative impacts of private interests.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions are a good way to train as a team and explore new ideas. They are also an opportunity to share your work with a larger community.

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

They are a great way to question the future and to bring new ideas to the table. They are also a great opportunity to train as a team in your practice and define what kind of projects you want to create.