MICROHOME Kingspan competition Honorable mention winners - Konrad Wojcik and Martin Ulrik Jorgensen

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "MICROHOME competition" – Konrad Wojcik and Martin Ulrik Jorgensen from Denmark!

Konrad Wojcik and Martin Ulrik Jorgensen

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.

Big Small House was designed by two architects from Denmark that both share the passion for timeless architecture and fresh design. Even though on a daily basis they work for different architectural practices, in their free time they love to sketch and imagine different concepts and how they could be designed.

Martin got his architectural master degree from Aarhus School of Architecture, where he learned how to work with a wide range of scales in architecturef. Spending one semester on carpentry school where he worked with designing and building furniture, gave him the confidence in designing details.

On the other hand, Konrad has started his architectural journey in Poland where he has finished Bachelor Degree in Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology. Fascinated with Scandinavian design, he then decided to move to Denmark where he finished his architectural degree at Aalborg University and started his professional career.

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?

Both Martin and Konrad have been involved in a wide range of projects across various functions and scales. This includes commercial and residential developments, transformative projects, as well as sports and cultural facilities.

A significant part of their professional life is dedicated to architectural competitions, which initially brought them together. Their extensive experience in dissecting competition briefs and understanding client needs has led to numerous successful bids and prestigious assignments. Together, they have won multiple competitions, earning recognition for their timeless designs and strategic planning. This success in competitions has not only expanded their portfolio but also provided invaluable experience in tackling diverse architectural challenges.

Martin and Konrad's strengths lie in their ability to blend visionary design with practical implementation, allowing them to deliver projects that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

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

Architecture is a feeling of harmony between form, function, material, and light. The spaces we live in shapes us as human beings. They influence our perception of the world and help anchor feelings and memories.

It is important that architecture is meaningful. Therefore, it is a tool to serve the community that enhances development and improves the quality of life for people. The built environment is also one of humanity's heaviest climate footprints on the planet.

Therefore, the architect's role in our society is extremely important to ensure that we build to serve the people with consideration for our limited resources.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions might seem insane to some, as it means continuing to work even after a full day in the office. However, this is driven by our passion for what we do. We love the challenge of solving complex functional problems and transforming them into beautiful forms. In the day-to-day life of an architect, we often face restrictions, budgets, and other challenges that limit our creative freedom. Competitions, especially open ones without fixed budgets, offer us the opportunity to express ourselves fully and experiment with fresh, innovative ideas. They allow us to break free from conventional constraints and explore new possibilities in architecture. This passion for creative freedom and innovation is what drew us to competitions like the MicroHome Competition. These platforms enable us to push the boundaries of architecture and contribute to the field in meaningful and impactful ways.

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

Architecture is a great tool to express yourself, if you have an idea or specific opinion on a subject. Starting from a blank piece of paper can be stressful, but the best advice is to trust the process.