Architecture Competition Sleeping Pods On A Cliff Honorable mention – Pedro Henrique Figueiredo Magalhaes

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winner for our “Sleeping Pods On A Cliff” competition – Pedro Henrique Figueiredo Magalhaes from Netherlands!

Pedro Henrique Figueiredo Magalhaes from Netherlands

I am a Brazilian architectural assistant based in the Netherlands. I got my bachelor’s in Architecture and Urbanism in Brazil, at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Afterwards, I got my master’s degree from TU Delft in 2020, and since then I have been working in Amsterdam. I am also undergoing an observed practice period that will allow me to get registered as an architect here in the Netherlands.

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?


I have been working on a residential building in the Netherlands, and this is a type of project and scale that I really like. Soon, I will be working on a couple of projects that deal with existing buildings and structures, and that is also something I am deeply interested in.

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

To me, the meaning of architecture can be found somewhere between pragmatic attitudes and poetic aspirations. As architects, our role is to continue to provide comfortable and sustainable living environments to people, always respecting different histories and cultures.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I believe competitions are about finding one’s voice and place within the discipline. I participate in competitions to continue to develop my own way of thinking and practicing architecture.

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


To anyone that is still in doubt whether to participate in competitions or not, I would say to just look at it as something you are doing to develop yourself as a designer. Competitions are a great way to try something new, outside your comfort zone, to design something that resonates with you, and to work on your own way of presenting your designs.