Architecture Competition SKYHIVE 2020 Skyscraper Challenge 1st prize and Student award winner - De Montfort University

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize and Student award winner of our “SKYHIVE 2020 Skyscraper Challenge” competition - Daniel Hambly from the United Kingdom!

Daniel Hambly from the United Kingdom

I am currently a postgraduate architecture student at the Leicester School of Architecture within De Montfort University. I received my BA in Architecture in July 2018 with first class honours, achieving the highest overall grade in the year group. After achieving this, I completed my Part 1 qualification as an Architectural Assistant at Fourpoint Architects in London from June 2018 to July 2019.

After completing that, I began my first year of postgraduate study on the MArch course at the Leicester School of Architecture within De Montfort University. It was during this year that I produced the Biorefinery at Old Street as my MArch Year 4 project.

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 company/ individuals have been involved?

The main project that I worked on during my Part 1 qualification at Fourpoint Architects was Southmere Phase 1B in Thamesmead, London. As a fairly tall development, with some towers reaching 15 stories, it was useful to understand how tall buildings are constructed commercially. This knowledge was then applied to the Biorefinery through its structural strategy and spatial organization, giving me the understanding that was required to develop a much taller building.

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

I like to think of myself as equal parts artist and problem solver. Through architecture and art, finding elegant solutions to intricate and complex problems is an integral part of my self-expression. I believe architecture is a universal art form, through which some of our greatest ecological, environmental, and sociological issues can be solved, and this is a key motivation for much of my work.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

The main reason I enter architecture vision competitions is to increase the reach and publicity of my projects. As a young designer, it can be hard to publicize your own work, especially at the beginning. Therefore, competitions can offer a fast track, as the design is often published across many platforms, meaning the audience it reaches is far greater.

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

Firstly, be organized. It is a far smoother process if the work is finished earlier, as this means there is more time for revision and improvement. Secondly, register yourself as early as possible, as this makes the registration fee lower, and acts a motivator to continue with the project.