MICROHOME Kingspan competition Honorable mention winners - Jiwon Jung, Piyatida Wetcho and Hyung Chul Ko

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "MICROHOME competition" – Jiwon Jung, Piyatida Wetcho and Hyung Chul Ko from United States!

Jiwon Jung, Piyatida Wetcho and Hyung Chul Ko

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

We are a team of young architects based in San Francisco, CA, gathered under the name ONOA Studio following our graduation from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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?

Our team brings diverse expertise: Jiwon is actively involved in large-scale residential development, while Piyatida focuses on healthcare projects and excels in construction administration. Hyung Chul, having completed his master's degree in New York, continues to pursue his passion for urban issues.

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

Architecture is a mediator that establishes relationships between and beyond people, spaces, and the environment. It sometimes promotes separation and other times encourages harmony. This duality makes the role of the architect crucial, as they must navigate and balance these contrasting dynamics. Therefore, architects must be sensitive to the cultural, social, and environmental contexts in which they practice.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions allows us to deeply reflect on the principles of architecture. While practice teaches us many rules, competitions provide a chance to create variations on what we once thought was rigid and immutable. We believe that attempts to escape the gravity of conventional frameworks and explore new, alternative solutions lead to great design.

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

We encourage taking the leap! Competitions offer a platform to explore and experiment with ideas beyond the constraints of everyday practice.