Architecture Competition Rammed Earth Pavilion Honorable mention winner - Politecnico di Milano

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Rammed Earth Pavilion" competition – Zuchen Yu and Guanda Yu from China!

Honorable mention winners from Politecnico di Milano

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

Zuchen: Architecture is a big part of my life. It represents the history of human and make me understand more about what I am. Architect is a lighthouse of the chaotic world. Architect have ability and duty to build a better future for the society. I wish I could be a good architect someday.

Guanda: Architecture is not only a discipline, a profession, but also an attitude towards life. It is integrated into our life, allowing us to look at things around us with an architectural perspective and discover problems in life. Architect is actually a contradictory role. He can propose low-cost housing for the poor, or he can work entirely for the rich.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Zuchen: I’m really interested in the traditional natural materials like rammed earth. In the recent years, I have built some pavillions using bamboo as the main material. And I try to learn more about how to use natural materials to create our built environment. So this competition is a very good chance to know more about rammed earth.

Guanda: The topic of this competition is in line with our course content. At the same time, we got encouragement and support from our professors.

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

Zuchen: Architecture competitions in my opinion is something that can make us keep being curious, keep being positive and keep being energetic. Do not stop thinking and you will find the answer eventually.

Guanda: In fact, the biggest benefit of participating in the competition is to exercise your ability to think and solve certain architectural problems. In this process, the contestants themselves can get a promotion. So for those who want to improve their architectural thinking, participating in the competition is a good choice.