Architecture competition "Nemrut Volcano Eyes" Honorable mention - Joseph Mwaisaka

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of one of our Honorable mentions for the “Nemrut Volcano Eyes” competition - Joseph Mwaisaka from Kenya!

Joseph Mwaisaka from Kenya

We are a studio operating in the coastal town of Mombasa, Kenya. A group of collaborating architects and designers. I had a brief stint with a previous firm after graduating from my Bachelor’s late 2016 outside the country and came back home to join a group of talented individuals. During my academic life I received a number of international awards, one of them being the 2nd prize in the 2015-edition of Laka Architektura for my proposal titled ‘Alveolus’. Aside from that, it has always been a constant search for what is right and true.

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 company/individuals have been involved?

From corporate buildings, recreational facilities, social housing to small-scale residential projects; the list is long. I’ve handled several residential projects, but as the scale widens we tend to incorporate team skill on almost all projects really. Research has always driven the dialogue between most of our work. Every conceptual process is always engaging and it follows through right till the execution.

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

Architecture & the design world are the greatest allies to my introverted self. They share a passion with me quite complex to comprehend but have unveiled certain sacred entities of this world and space that can’t be perceived quite easily. Entities that collaborate to help birth the multiple buildings and vacancies within our urban fabric. Architecture is the fabric...it's everywhere. It dictates our lives. I believe that through Architectural Alchemy - solely based on all aspects that are now embodied in global evolution - the world can change for the better. My role in this is simple. To be a vessel trough which these ideas can be materialised through community involvement to help make a better world for generations to come.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Competitions are thought provoking exercises. They test your understanding of various architectural challenges while at the same time offering you different narratives on different societies and places, and the impact design has on them. The research process, collaboration and execution are a learning process. A fun one to be sincere.

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

I’d say it’s one of the most interesting ways of understanding and learning architecture beyond the comfort of your home. Put truth and sincerity in every bit of work.