MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25 Student Award winners - łukasz Michał Danilczuk, Ewa Helena Maniak and Karolina Maria Rorat

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Student Award winners of our "MICROHOME Kingspan edition 2024/25" competition – łukasz Michał Danilczuk, Ewa Helena Maniak and Karolina Maria Rorat from Poland!

łukasz Michał Danilczuk, Ewa Helena Maniak and Karolina Maria Rorat

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 architecture students currently in our fifth year at the Warsaw University of Technology. As students, we have already participated in several competitions organized by Buildner, including Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing (3rd prize winner), Olive Guest House (2nd prize winner), and the Norman Foster Kharkiv Housing Challenge (shortlisted).

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?

Throughout our studies, we’ve taken part in a wide variety of academic projects, from small-scale designs like shelters and single-family homes to large urban-scale developments. We're continually exploring various directions within the field of architecture—through competitions, exchange programs, and academic research. This ongoing journey is helping us shape our individual interests and develop a broader understanding of the discipline.

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

To us, architecture is more than just a blend of art and science—it’s a medium through which we can initiate a dialogue with society. We believe that architects have a responsibility to create spaces that meet people’s needs while also offering experiences that foster a sense of identity and belonging.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We see architecture competitions as a fantastic way to step out of our comfort zones and take on unique, thought-provoking challenges. They allow us to explore different ideas, cultures, and perspectives. Most importantly, they’re a space for creative freedom and self-expression.

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

Just go for it—sometimes you have to take the leap. It might be risky, but the experience is absolutely worth it!