Architecture Competition SKYHIVE 2021 Skyscraper Challenge 1st prize, Green and BB Student Award winners – Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st prize, Green and Student Award winners of our “SKYHIVE 2021 Skyscraper Challenge” competition – Adriane Pacheco, Letícia Armond, Sara Vasconcellos and Mauro Franco from Brazil!

1st prize winners from Brazil

We are currently undergraduate students in the program of Architecture and Urbanism at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil. Three of us – Sara, Adriane and Leticia – are halfway into our undergraduate degree, and therefore it was our first experience with an international competition, while Mauro is in his last year, working on his final thesis.

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?

This competition was our first experience working together. Our team members have been involved with vernacular architecture and native communities, 3d modeling, virtual reality, social housing, and sustainable materials/techniques in our academic and professional path. We joined our experiences to develop a project for the competition.

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

Architecture is a social tool that allows us to discuss – and reframe – the relationship between the human being and the environment. Since our home country's natural environment has been increasingly damaged over the last decades and we live in a society that demands social justice, we think that architects must face these problems and always aim to have a positive impact.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions gives us the chance to explore our creativity, think outside the box, and develop different design approaches and project methodologies.

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

People should definitely participate in architecture competitions in order to develop their creativity. It is an amazing opportunity! Be sure to enjoy the process: look for a team you believe in and feel comfortable with, and take the opportunity to explore different areas of interest!