Architecture Competition Sansusī Forest Food Court Honorable mention winners – Rizi Faruqui, Bang Dang, Lili Morales and Alexis Chastain

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "Sansusī Forest Food Court" competition – Rizi Faruqui, Bang Dang, Lili Morales and Alexis Chastain from United States!

Honorable mention winners from United States

FAR + DANG began in 2011 as a very organic conversation between two friends and colleagues about how architecture and design can effectively respond to the changing context of the built world. Our practice of five designers and thinkers, with varying backgrounds, designs projects that elegantly resolve the complexities and contradictions of the site and the program. We strive to produce environments that raise awareness of design and question the status quo.

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?

FAR + DANG participates in projects of all types and scales: from multifamily housing developments, light industrial complexes, and international competitions to custom designed homes and small cabins. We place higher value in the hopes and dreams that come with the projects than the physical and technical parameters. The process of collaboration and invention within our team and the clients, consultants, and craftspeople is the core of what brings the architecture to the buildings.

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

Architecture has always been an integral part of basic human needs – shelter, place, gathering and community – these core elements inspire the architect’s role in society. On a larger scale, the inherent link to urbanism has great meaning in defining the world around us all. The potential of architecture to contribute to and improve these conditions through thoughtful and responsive design speaks to and also beyond the creation of physical spaces.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architectural competitions challenge us to think beyond the everyday constraints of projects in our office and local conditions. We find this incredibly valuable for expanding our design process, thinking, and methods of working. Researching and considering new typologies and locations is invaluable for the growth of our practice and team.

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

The simplest summary would be to just do it. There is always a decision of an allocation of time and energy, especially within a professional office environment with the already existing pressure of projects, clients and commitments. However, speaking from the U.S. where the competition culture essentially does not exist, the value in architecture competitions to expand design thinking and to press through new and unique challenges is hard to understate. We strive to seek competitions that take us out of our comfort zone and with briefs that we believe that we can bring a unique perspective towards.