Architecture competition Rome Collective Living Challenge 2nd prize winner - George Guida

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of the 2nd prize of our “Rome Collective Living Challenge ” competition - George Guida from Italy!

George Guida from Italy

I am a RIBA Chartered Architect currently working in London. Originally from Rome, I completed the AA Diploma at the Architectural Association in 2017, and have several years of work experience from Kuwait City, Florence, and London.

My research and design interests relate to notions of domesticity and issues addressing the creation of urban collectives, as seen in my final thesis: ‘Towards a New Collective: New Models of Collective Living’. Researching historical experimental social and collective housing typologies brings to light endless lessons to be adopted and redefined for our contemporary lifestyles.

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

Architecture for me is all about the collective. The rapid expansion of cities, including Rome, has compromised the creation of open piazzas, busy markets, and interweaving public streets. These have developed into a contemporary rigid system of closed and insular urban blocks. It is up to architects to carve, reverse and radically open up spaces for people to live, work and play together. The creation of these new fragments within the city will reconnect civiltà (society) and città (city) into a new contemporary collective.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

These competitions give a voice to what is most needed in our built environment. It creates a platform upon which to develop new narratives in hand with provocative designs.

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

Go for it! Use competitions as a way to test research ideas into what may lead to future realities.