Sansusi Sound Sculpture competition Honorable mention winners - Elena Passoni, Jordan Christopher Pabon, Natalia Francesca Castillo and Colin Stephen Mele

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our "Sansusi Sound Sculpture" competition – Elena Passoni, Jordan Christopher Pabon, Natalia Francesca Castillo and Colin Stephen Mele from United States!

Elena Passoni, Jordan Christopher Pabon, Natalia Francesca Castillo and Colin Stephen Mele

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.

Our team met while studying architecture at Florida International University. During our studies, we completed an array of projects ranging from small pavilions to 40-story skyscrapers. Our studies allowed us to develop our individual styles, methods, and values of architecture. This has translated into our professional careers, where our team consists of architectural designers, graphic designers, and digital fabricators. Although our paths since school have been different, we all have a passion for design

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?

Individually, our group has a diverse set of work experience ranging from typical architectural practices and hospitality design to museum exhibitions and robotic fabrication. While in school, we have also paired up together for projects of different scopes and types, but this is the first one to be done by all four of us.

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

To us, architecture means making connections through the built environment and shaping a future. We create structures for people to enjoy their moments living, working, and playing. From small fixtures in a room to the vast landscapes that construct our cities, the role of an architect is to build the framework of our lives. In an ever-evolving society, architects are there at the forefront, building the foundation of civilization and ensuring the wellbeing of our built communities.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions to stay creative. As young professionals, competitions are opportunities for us to do creative work aside from our regular job tasks and allow us to fully express ourselves through our designs. Competitions also allow us to keep learning through different types and scales of projects and broaden our knowledge in the field, encountering new challenges and opportunities. They also allow for our work to be exposed to more people internationally, as well as train us to work in teams challenging us to learn how to self-organize our work and be independent in design projects.

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

My message is to absolutely go for it! It’s exciting to participate in competitions and for young professionals it gives you an idea of being back in architecture school days where creativity flows and ideas are endless. It’s also a great way to stay creative aside from regular work tasks and to expand on your portfolio after graduation with unique and diversified projects, as well as exposing you and your work to a broader audience.