Architecture competition "SKYHIVE Skyscraper Challenge" Green award winners - Alessandro Buffi and Gian Maria Angelini

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of the Green award of our “SKYHIVE Skyscraper Challenge” competition - Alessandro Buffi and Gian Maria Angelini from Italy!

Alessandro Buffi and Gian Maria Angelini from Italy

We are two Italian architects recently graduated from the University of Perugia with a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Building Engineering. After gaining experience abroad in the UK and the Netherlands respectively through an Erasmus Traineeship, we have both developed a thesis in the field of digital design. Currently, Alessandro is collaborating with the University of Perugia developing research in the field of generative and wood design, while Gian Maria is working in an Italian architecture firm.

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?

Alessandro is currently involved in a research project at the University of Perugia, collaborating with an Italian construction company on mass-customized wooden houses. Gian Maria focused on Building Information Modelling and new technologies,and deals with several architectural projects ranging from fine detail up to an urban scale.

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

Architecture is a faithful reflection of the society in which it originates, develops and consolidates; as such, it has the capability to tell as about its history as well as to be an expression of its change and innovation. The current society, characterized by rapid technological, social and environmental transformations, defines new boundaries of research and actions for architecture.

In this context, we believe in the figure of the architect as an intellectual, artist, and scientist that can shape the world through ideas and visions that synthesize and give expression to the evolution of our society.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

When we decided to join the SKYHIVE Skyscraper Challenge, our first participation in an architecture vision competition, we were fascinated by the idea to open our minds to a new design topic.

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

In our opinion, architecture competitions represent the occasion to explore new formal solutions and a chance to express freely new visions about the future. Even if it requires great commitment, we believe that it is through new challenges that better results can be achieved and, for this reason, we would invite all architects to participate.