Architecture Competition Portugal Elderly Home Honorable mention winners – Carlos Aridane Gonzalez Cuervo, Rafał Matusik, Jakub Masłowski and Justyna Masłowska

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Portugal Elderly Home" competition – Carlos Aridane Gonzalez Cuervo, Rafał Matusik, Jakub Masłowski and Justyna Masłowska from Spain!

Honorable mention winners from Spain

Aridane: Gonzalez Architektura, founded in 2022, undertakes projects of various types.

Rafał: Matusik-Studio was founded in 2007 and is based in Warsaw, Poland. It employs 2 people. The studio specializes in residential projects, including single-family houses, housing, and residences.

Justyna: From 2003 to 2011, she worked for different companies, carrying out interior architecture projects in both the private and commercial sectors. In 2011, she founded her own company, where she has continued her work to this day.

Jakub has just finished the second year of his architecture degree.

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

Architecture goes beyond its physical function and has a profound social dimension at all levels. We believe in the power of buildings to shape the city and their ability to influence the quality of life for individuals, both positively and negatively.

We believe that architecture is not limited solely to the design of individual buildings but also encompasses the entire urban environment. We value the importance of smaller urban elements as well as large urban developments in shaping livable and functional spaces.

Buildings should be more than mere containers of functions; they should be entities that foster human connections, promote social interaction, and encourage environmental sustainability. We understand architecture as a tool to improve people's quality of life.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are a good way to break routines and project without the restrictions of everyday work. They help encourage architects to express themselves in different ways and propose less conventional ideas.

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

Architects should approach competitions as personal challenges. They provide an opportunity to explore new thematic areas during the design process, which is crucial in our profession where continuous learning is essential. Additionally, competitions offer the chance to receive feedback from other professionals, providing an opportunity to improve one's work.