Museum of Emotions #5 competition 1st and Student Award winners - Sangmyung University

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st and Student prize winners of our "Museum of Emotions #5" competition – Minseok Choi and Jang Doyeong from South Korea!

Minseok Choi and Jang Doyeong from South Korea

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 juniors majoring in Interior Design at Sangmyung University in South Korea.

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?

We each participated in the architecture competition 'The Home of Shadows' hosted by the Buildner and the 'Tiny House 2024' held by Volume Zero. It's the first time we've made a work together.

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

Architecture feels like a 3D sketchbook to me. Through architecture, I can freely express my ideas and imagine the diverse interactions that take place within the space, which is incredibly fascinating. This is one of the reasons I am so drawn to architecture. The architects I admire always approach their work from the perspective of the user, painting the picture of architecture with their needs in mind. They consider people’s lifestyles, the emotions they will feel in the space, and even the scents they might experience. I believe this is the first step every architect should take when starting a project. By doing so, architects can bring happiness to the citizens and users who engage with their designs.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Every time I see the themes of a new architectural competition, I get so excited. It's really fun to come up with new ideas and see the ideas of other participants from around the world. Sometimes, even if the ideas seem impossible to realize, I believe it’s the best opportunity to let our imaginations run wild.

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

First of all, I would like to tell you to just participate. Starting is the most difficult. Once you apply, you think about it all day and ideas will inevitably come to you. Then, you may do various research on the idea, look for it, understand and sympathize with it, and fall in love with the design project you are working on. It will be difficult the first time, but from then on you will fall in love with architecture competitions.