Architecture competition Silent Meditation Forest Cabins Honorable mention - Urban Energy Works

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winners of one of our Honorable mentions for the “Silent Meditation Forest Cabins” competition - Panos Tharouniatis, Panagiotis Lampronikos and Min Duan from United States!

Panos Tharouniatis, Panagiotis Lampronikos and Min Duan from United States

UEW is a design consultancy firm. We were founded in 2010 and are based in Ann Arbor, USA and Athens, Greece. About 10 people comprise our firm and our degrees vary from architecture to horticulture and engineering.

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?

Our projects range from the scale of an indoor planter to that of the engineering headquarters for a major automotive company. Being able to change scales and the ability to work in areas that combine architecture, engineering, planning, to name a few, is our specialty.

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

We embrace architecture as a set of problems where the quality of the solution is embedded in finding the truth. We treat constructability, design and financials as inseparable, while we strive to evoke emotions that allow the client and society to become aware. Technology should be extracted from beyond the traditional building practice to expand what is possible. Sustainability, we believe, creates the most rewarding connection between man, nature and built environments.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Participating in an architecture vision competition is a great way to stay current and have fun along the way. 

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

Competitions provide the best insight into what solutions clients need today. Knowing what is needed is key to being the right person for the job. One cannot practice architecture without knowing what the state of the world and what the world’s aspirations are.