Architecture Competition The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial Honorable mention – CORNELL UNIVERSITY

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our “The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial ” competition – Lauren Lam from United States!

Lauren Lam from United States

Lauren Lam is a fourth-year student at Cornell University and is currently earning her Bachelor of Architecture. She has held a lifelong passion for creative arts and has won multiple awards for her work across various mediums. In 2018, the National YoungArts Foundation named Lauren as a winner in Architectural Design out of more than 11,000 applicants. That same year, she also qualified as Semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, which honors youth artists for their artistic achievement. As a native New Yorker, Lauren is an alumnus of the Brearley School, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, and The Hotchkiss School.

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?

As a student, I have worked with architects and real estate developers, allowing me to understand the building process from both the design and client perspectives. On the architecture side, I have worked with MB Architecture on single-family homes and Schickel Architects on a memorial for a student. Regarding real estate development, I am currently an intern for The X Company, a developer that focuses on developing apartments within social communities. As the company expands into new locations across the US, I assist with the architectural design process, development, and construction of their new locations.

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

One of the most important functions of architecture is to help build communities and encourage societal development. Architecture furthers development of its residents, while also reflecting the artistic and functional concerns of its community. For example, one of the most important concerns of a modern-day architect is the environmental impact of their building. Whether an architect has designed the building to minimize the environmental impact is a characteristic of increasing importance, and reflects the growing trend of concern in our society

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in competitions in order to deepen my connection to the architectural industry, as well as develop my personal skills as a designer. There is so much to learn about this industry, and I am constantly searching for ways to expand my knowledge and experience with project types that I might not see in a typical academic or work context. The research and developmental process of participating in a competition is always challenging and exciting. One of my favorite aspects about conducting research is having the chance to learn from incredible architects that build buildings worldwide.

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

I would absolutely encourage all individuals interested in architecture to participate in competitions. It’s a great way to expand your own knowledge, engage with the architectural community, and keep up with the latest trends. Don’t be afraid of not placing! There are so many competitions that I’ve submitted to, and not won anything. The process of preparing, researching, and refining your submission is challenging, but always worth it.