Peja Culture Pavilion competition 1st and Student Award winners - "Ion Mincu" University of Architecture and Urbanism

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st and Student Award winners of our "Peja Culture Pavilion" competition – Alexandra Ilinca Domnescu, Daria Alexandra Pirvu and Mario Eduard Peiciu from Romania!

Alexandra Ilinca Domnescu, Daria Alexandra Pirvu and Mario Eduard Peiciu

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.

 All three members of our team are 4th year students at Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning in Bucharest, Romania.

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?

During the four academic years, we have been involved in various projects ranging from small-scale architectural designs to larger urban planning initiatives. The first three years of university focused on developing a strong foundation in architectural language: learning essential design principles, spatial composition, construction techniques, and digital tools. This period helped shape our understanding of architecture and prepared us for more complex projects.

Currently, our focus is on projects centered around restoration and adaptive reuse, exploring ways to revitalize existing structures while maintaining their historical and cultural significance. That is part of the reason why we chose to participate in this architecture competition in the first place.

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

 Architecture, to us, is a way of shaping the built environment to improve people’s lives, preserve cultural identity, and respond to contemporary challenges. As fourth-year architecture students, we see architecture as a discipline that balances creativity with technical knowledge, history with innovation, and aesthetics with functionality. It is about understanding how spaces and human behavior influence each other and how we, as future architects, can create meaningful and sustainable environments.

In the Romanian context, the role of an architect is particularly significant due to the country’s rich historical heritage, diverse architectural layers, and ongoing urban transformations. Many Romanian cities face challenges related to outdated infrastructure, inefficient public spaces, and the neglect of valuable historic buildings. Therefore, architects must act as mediators between tradition and modernity, advocating for adaptive reuse, sustainable urban planning, and thoughtful interventions that enhance the quality of life. In a society where architectural awareness is still developing, architects also have the responsibility to educate the public on the value of well-designed spaces and the importance of preserving architectural heritage.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We think it is important to mention that this was our first time participating in an architecture competition, but certainly not the last. This experience taught us that entering a competition is both exciting and demanding, pushing us to step out of our comfort zones and apply our knowledge in a highly competitive environment. We see these competitions as opportunities to receive feedback from experienced architects and connect with diverse perspectives from around the world. Moreover, they help us refine how we present our ideas in a compelling way. Overall, participating in our first competition was a transformative experience that motivated us to continue engaging in such challenges. It helped us develop a stronger architectural voice, gain confidence in our ideas, and better prepare for our future as architects.

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

If you're unsure about participating in an architecture competition, like we were, consider the value beyond winning. Competitions push creative boundaries, improve technical skills, and provide real-world experience. They teach you how to experiment more, beyond academic constraints and help refine teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Consider working with your friends from university, as it is easier to exchange ideas and feedback and it also makes deadlines more manageable. Competitions also help you with important skills for your university work like enhancing conceptual thinking, graphic representation, and presentation skills and also, they can be important additions to your portfolio.