Architecture competition Rome Collective Living Challenge 1st and Student prize winners - Lund University

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of the 1st and Student prize of our “Rome Collective Living Challenge ” competition - Karin Frykholm, Lisa Fransson and Rron Bexheti from Sweden!

Karin Frykholm, Lisa Fransson and Rron Bexheti from Sweden

We are three Master’s students in architecture attending the School of Architecture at Lund University in Lund, Sweden. Karin and Lisa have previously studied at Umeå School of Architecture (Umeå, Sweden) where they earned their Bachelor’s degree, while Rron earned his Bachelor’s degree in Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey. This is our first collaboration as a competition team as well as our first entry for an international competition.

The professional projects each individual has been involved in are of multiple characters, stretching from interior design to urban planning. However, a common interest has been to revitalize existing infrastructural artifacts. This interest has been of great value to our competition entry, where the multiple co-livings become connected into a greater whole through the physicality of the Aurelian wall. In addition to this, we are all fascinated by the project of the city, and are interested in generating innovative ways of living in an urban environment.

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

During the process of the project a great deal of concern has been directed towards architectural form. One has to acknowledge this form and its link with its context. This competition felt very relevant for us as we are interested in projects of the city that propose new ways of living in common. The project talks about permanency in relation to resilience, as we believe that architectural form has the potential to construct the identity and collective memory of the city.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

To participate in an architecture vision competition is an important step from the imaginative stage to the professional. When participating, one is pushed into thorough research, clear communication as well as questioning and refining the material produced.

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

We would encourage everyone to participate since it is the most fun and efficient way to develop as an architect by learning from your project and each other.