MICROHOME Kingspan 2024/25 competition participant - Liudmila Andreyevna Strelets

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the participant of our "MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25" competition – Liudmila Andreyevna Strelets from United States!

Liudmila Andreyevna Strelets

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.

Currently, I am a student at Gulf Coast State College. My major is Architectural Design and Construction Technology. This is my last semester before graduation, after which I will start working towards Master's Degree in Architecture at Boston Architectural College. MICROHOME is my second architectural competition. I always find it fascinating to throw down the gauntlet and to challenge myself.

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?

I had a chance to participate in several residential projects. Among my responsibilities were the 3D modulization and Virtual Reality Tours creation. During Fall 2024 semester, as a part of a group, I participated in “Living Ruins” architectural competition. The design challenge was to create an open-air museum. My personal contribution to the project was a 3x5 feet cardboard topography model and 6 different structures. The approach was to create spaces which will be interesting and practical for people but will not interrupt the historical meaning of the site.

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

Architecture is a part of my daily life as well as for the society around me. Nowadays buildings are not just serving their basic function of providing shelter but also helping modern people with their everyday tasks. Architecture frames daily activities and furnishes an aesthetic pleasure. It inspires and solves certain problems. Personally, I treat architecture as living art. An art which influences people and helps to grow better, happier societies.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Usually, if I see an interesting competition proposal, I do not have any doubts. There are several reasons for that. 1) Professional Development: Architectural competition is the best way for me to apply classroom learning to an actual, given problem. In particular, I was heavily using 8 different softwares and applications, plus real-life 3D modeling, free hand drawing and diagramming to express ideas for the MICROHOME competition. Developing professionalism throughout the competition process also involves time management as a key skill. 2) Challenge as a motivation: Architectural competitions help to expand creative limits. To produce new, innovative solutions I need to start thinking outside of the box. Being put in a certain timeframe, my brain starts to generate new ideas even at nighttime while I am sleeping. I truly want to make a difference. 3) Feedback and Engagement: Another reason for me to participate in a competition is feedback from experts. I have found it to be a great learning tool - an opportunity to understand strengths an areas of improvement.

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

Ask yourself these simple questions: - Are you interested in a rapid professional skills improvement? - Are you willing to expand your creativity and to push your limits? - Do you want your ideas and creations to be seen and recognized worldwide? If you answered “yes” at least once, then try to challenge yourself through the architectural competition.