Architecture Competition Paris Affordable Housing Challenge 1st place and Student prize winner - Southern California Institute of Architecture

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st place and Student prize winner of our “Paris Affordable Housing Challenge” competition - Neno Videnovic from United States!

1st and Student prize winner - Neno Videnovic from United States

I’m in my final year of the Bachelor of Architecture program at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). Apart from the rich academic experience I’ve had as a student at SCI-Arc, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn a lot from my summer internships at the Los Angeles-based firm, Zyme Studios, as well HKS.

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

Architecture is more than a building - it’s a way of thinking. I think it’s the role of the architect to imagine beyond the design brief and come up with something that people didn’t realize they needed.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

What I find most beneficial about architecture vision competitions is the interchange of ideas. Not only do you get to exercise your way of thinking, you also get an insight into how other people approached the same problem.

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

Ultimately, design competitions are about having fun and enjoying what you’re doing. Playing piano, for example, can be a lot of fun, but first you have to learn how to play. The more you practice the better you become. It’s the same for design competitions. The first design competition one participates in might be difficult. However, the more you engage with them the more ideas you have and the more creative they are.