Architecture Competition Sansusī Forest Food Court Honorable mention winner – Universidad Iberoamericana

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our "Sansusī Forest Food Court" competition – Diego Sierra from Mexico!

Diego Sierra from Mexico

I'm a Mexican architecture student, currently in my tenth semester. I've taken part in several architecture competitions to gain experience and knowledge, and luckily, I've won a few of them. I've worked on some small-scale personal freelance projects allong with my colleagues. I also work as a freelancer creating renders and images for some architectural firms.

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?

When it comes to architecture competitions or freelance projects, I am mainly focused on small to medium scale projects, because that way I can take the design to a higher level of detail; I like taking into consideration the resolution of both constructive and functional aspects.

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

In my view, architecture should embody an interdisciplinary approach, with the primary objective of effectively addressing specific problems. Throughout this process, it is essential to carefully consider elements such as the site itself, including its local materials, traditions, history, and socioeconomic conditions, among other factors. With that being said, the role of an architect should revolve around delving into these diverse systems when undertaking a project, in order to propose a well-informed and comprehensive solution. It should not serve as a mere excuse for creating architecture solely for the sake of spectacle, without addressing the genuine needs of existing social projects. Expanding on this point, I firmly believe that architects bear the responsibility of immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the site, particularly in understanding the inhabitants or users of the projects. This allows for the design of spaces that best cater to their needs, prioritizing their requirements over personal aesthetic indulgences.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I like to participate in architecture competitions for several reasons. The main reason is to gain experience. I have noticed that with each competition I enter, regardless of winning or losing, my knowledge and problem-solving abilities grow significantly. Looking back at the first competitions I participated in, I can clearly see how much I have improved, both in terms of representation styles and quality, as well as in my approach to new projects. I have learned from my previous mistakes and continue to learn and evolve.

The second reason is that competitions provide an opportunity for me to unleash my imagination without the constraints typically associated with regular projects. This allows me to design different spaces and create unique atmospheres, simply enjoying the process.

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

I think that the struggle to decide whether to enter an architecture competition or not, comes from the fear of not winning, that’s why my advice for people who think that way, is that your main objective should not be winning, because it’s a fact that you will lose various competitions before winning one. Instead, you should focus on all the positive things that each competition will give you, such as all the experience and knowledge, and a huge personal and professional growth.

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest Deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions first
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
ideas COMPETITION
The Architect's Chair
Edition #1

Take a seat and make a statement!

Prize: MONETARY AWARD
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Jun 06
Sep 06
Nov 01
ideas COMPETITION
Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing
Senior living. Edition#2

Reimagine senior living spaces

Prize: MONETARY AWARD
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Jun 08
Sep 08
Nov 02
project COMPETITION
The Legendary Highway 14 Tower
South Dakota, USA

Design an iconic tower for De Smet, South Dakota, USA

Prize: MONETARY AWARD + POTENTIAL TO BE REALISED
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Jun 09
Sep 12
Nov 03
project COMPETITION
Iceland Beer Spa

Design a beer spa in Iceland's captivating landscape

Prize: MONETARY AWARD + POTENTIAL TO BE REALISED
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Jun 14
Sep 14
Nov 08

Reccuring architecture competitions

ideas COMPETITION
Silent contest
For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial
Edition #3

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Prize: MONETARY AWARD
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Jun 26
Sep 03
Nov 05
ideas COMPETITION
Workplace Reimagined
Edition #3

Redefine the future of workspaces

Prize: MONETARY AWARD
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Sep 14
Nov 16
Jan 18
ideas COMPETITION
Silent contest
For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Museum of Emotions
Edition #4

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Prize: MONETARY AWARD
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Sep 27
Nov 28
Jan 30
Run repeatedly
Los Angeles Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series #16

Design affordable housing solutions in Los Angeles

Prize: MONETARY AWARD
Eligibility: OPEN TO ALL

registration deadlines

Remind me
Jun 07
Sep 07
Nov 01
Register now

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Competition results

Hong Kong 
Pixel Homes

Hong Kong Pixel Homes

Affordable Housing Series #2
MICROHOME

MICROHOME

Small living, huge impact! Edition #4

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