Pape Info Point competition 2nd prize winners - Yang Wu and Limin Wang

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winners of our "Pape Info Point" competition –  Yang Wu and Limin Wang from China!

Yang Wu and Limin Wang

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 Yang Wu and Limin Wang, two architect friends who graduated from UCL Bartlett Architectural design programme RC10, brought together by a shared passion for modular architectural design. Yang Wu is currently based in London, working as an architectural assistant, gaining hands-on experience in the industry while exploring innovative design approaches. Meanwhile, Limin has returned to China to continue research and practice, delving deeper into the intersection of modularity, adaptability, and material innovation.

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?

Our work is driven by a fascination with modular architectural systems, aiming to push the boundaries of flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in design. By bridging research and practice across different cultural and professional landscapes, we seek to develop creative solutions that redefine contemporary architecture. Beyond modularity, we are deeply engaged in multi-disciplinary architectural design, integrating knowledge from fields such as digital fabrication, material science, and environmental engineering. We believe in an adaptive and data-driven approach, where parametric design plays a key role in optimizing spatial configurations, structural efficiency, and environmental performance. By leveraging computational tools, we explore dynamic, responsive, and customizable architectural solutions that can adapt to different contexts and user needs.

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

For us, architecture is more than just the creation of buildings—it is a dynamic and evolving discipline that shapes the way people interact with their environments. As architects, we see ourselves as problem solvers, system thinkers, and innovators who bridge the gap between design, technology, and human experience. The role of the architect in our society extends beyond the traditional notion of a designer. We see architects as curators of space, shaping environments that foster human interaction, cultural expression, and environmental responsibility. In today’s rapidly changing world, architects must also act as researchers, innovators, and collaborators, working across disciplines to develop solutions that are socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions because they provide a unique platform for experimentation, exploration, and innovation beyond the constraints of commercial practice. Competitions allow us to test new ideas, push the boundaries of modular design, parametric strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches, and refine our vision for the future of architecture. As a team working across London and China, competitions also allow us to engage with global architectural challenges, addressing cultural, environmental, and social issues through innovative design solutions. They provide a collaborative space where we can exchange ideas, sharpen our design thinking, and develop concepts that merge research with real-world application.

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

Competitions provide an opportunity to work with like-minded designers and expand your professional network. Whether you collaborate with a team or work independently, the process fosters creative exchange, interdisciplinary thinking, and teamwork—all essential skills in architectural practice. Competitions are not just about winning. They provide a space to hone your design thinking, test new methodologies, and refine your workflow. Whether you win or not, the experience of working through a complex brief will make you a stronger designer.