Architecture Competition The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial 3rd prize winner – Steven Rubio

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd prize winner of our “The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial” competition – Steven Rubio from Colombia!

Steven Rubio from Colombia

I am an architect, based in Bogotá, Colombia, and have been practicing since 2015. Currently I work as a solo practitioner and also as an online educator in architecture representation.

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 have participated in numerous competitions over the past years and worked on mainly medium-scale architecture projects based in Bogota. Also, I am currently more involved in artistic projects, where I explore and question urban and architectural practices by manipulating everyday photographs of the city. It is through art that I have become much more interested in architecture.

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

Architecture is in charge of creating a stage for human activities of all kinds. The role of the architect is to not only design space, but to also respond to its local context and current time. An architect must understand he/she is part of a network of people that together help shape the world. Architecture needs architects that are resource-conscious and history-conscious.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions fine-tune your design skills and help constantly question current interests. Also, they challenge you to solve problems that on any other occasion would be difficult to solve.

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

Competitions are the best way to shape your ideal portfolio. You can choose what type of architecture you want to create, create it in the best way through competitions, and make that your main portfolio.