Architecture Competition Rammed Earth Pavilion Honorable mention winner - Yi Zhou

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our "Rammed Earth Pavilion" competition – Yi Zhou from Canada!

Yi Zhou from Canada

Yi Zhou is a high school student born in 2006, currently based in Vancouver, Canada. Yi does not currently own a degree, but instead, the richest part of his education comes from exploring the world, working with mentors, reading, and creating.

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?

Although the root of my work is planted around design, I like to extend my branches in a diverse variety of subjects involving anything from photography to welding. Half of my work is a demonstration of myself, and the other half, a learning experience. When I design, I learn to communicate, when I take photos, I learn to see, and when I draw, I learn to imagine.

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

To me, architects are like conductors of spaces, synthesizing individual elements of space to create a unified experience.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are icebreakers, relieving the pressure to create something realistic to uncover magical ideas. One of the easiest things to do in design is to be stuck repeating what works, I believe the best work is often found outside that status quo. Competitions are opportunities to break that repetition.

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

You don’t ever lose in design competitions. Even if you don’t win an award, you will always win the experience.