Architecture Competition MICROHOME #6 Honorable mention winners – THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our "MICROHOME #6" competition – Gerald Low, Chen Yixin and Chen Ziqian from Australia!

Honorable mention winners from Australia

Gerald Low is a 2nd-year Master of Architecture student at the University of Melbourne and was awarded Dean’s Honour Award in 2019. Previously, he received a Diploma in Multimedia and Animation at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and served 2 years of National Service in Singapore after having interned as a web designer. Currently, he is working in Melbourne-based BKK Architects.

Yixin Chen is a 1st-year Master of Architecture student at the University of Melbourne. Her works have been selected as part of the MSDx exhibitions in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. During her free time, she works as a freelance illustrator.

Ziqian Chen is a 2nd-year Master of Architecture student at the University of Melbourne. In UOM, he enrolled into AA Visiting School in 2021 and previously participated in Shanghai Vancouver Film School’s summer intensive film production course in 2018. His works have been selected as part of the MSDx exhibitions in 2020 and 2022.

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 have explored a wide range of scale and typologies such as landscapes, skyscrapers, factories, libraries, multi-residential apartments, and residential houses in school. However, the projects that stood out were those that serve multiple functions in one space.

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

True architecture is not without rigour in research, theory, design, and construction. We think that the role of architects is making good decisions that can positively affect how the people live and thrive.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in competitions to challenge and test seemingly impossible ideas.

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

Believe and don't underestimate your abilities.