Sansusi Sound Sculpture competition Student prize winner - Riina Elina Salo

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Student prize winner of our "Sansusi Sound Sculpture" competition – Riina Elina Salo from Finland!

Riina Elina Salo

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.

I am currently a construction architecture student and will be graduated next spring.

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?

My studies are part engineering and part architecture. We started our school projects with microhome designs and last year we designed apartment buildings.

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

To me, architecture represents all the things I'm interested in life: physics, mathematics, nature, culture, art, music, problem-solving, and human connections. I believe the role of an architect is to be a visionary and a dreamer.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

This is my first architecture competition. I participated because I think it's a great opportunity to test creativity and skills while also learning something new, especially when you find a project that resonates with you. I highly recommend participating to all students. Competitions are an important platform for professionals, but I believe students, in particular, will benefit the most. You will learn things that aren't taught in school.

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

Just do it! Getting out of your comfort zone usually leads to something great.