Museum of Emotions #4 2nd and Student Award winners - Yujie Weng and Mengmeng Bu

 We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our Museum of Emotions #4 competition – Yujie Weng and Mengmeng Bu from New Zealand!

Yujie Weng and Mengmeng Bu

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 were both studying Architecture at the University of Auckland when we started the competition. Mengmeng graduated in 2024 and is currently working in an architecture firm, while Yujie is in the third year of his studies.

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

"To us, architecture is an artistic expression of an architect's thoughts, conveying the joyful moments or special experiences they wish to impart to the user. By meticulously considering every aspect of architectural space, architects can control its impact on both users and the environment. This may serve functional purposes, create delightful environments, raise awareness, or even sustain the environment."

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

The competition provides us with an opportunity to explore and challenge various topics, pushing us beyond our comfort zones to try different types, thus fostering a continuous learning process. In competitions, we are often faced with numerous requirements and constraints, similar to those encountered in future architectural practice. However, they are also more theoretical, which stimulates our imagination and creativity. This is particularly meaningful for us as students.

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

Participating in competitions can be highly beneficial, but it requires sufficient time, energy, and a certain level of designing skills. Without enough time and energy, architecture competitions can become stressful. However, we hope everyone can enjoy participating in architecture competitions. Throughout our studies and work, we already face numerous forced modifications and deadlines. Let's not allow competitions to diminish our passion for design. For those with limited design practice, theoretical competitions might be a good option. For those seeking to hone their designing skills, entering architecture competitions is a brave attempt. However, it can also dampen enthusiasm for architecture if the expected returns are not achieved. Therefore, it's essential to carefully assess oneself before making a decision.