The Architect's Chair #5 competition 3rd Prize winner - Sunmin Kim

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd Prize winner of our The Architect's Chair #5 competition – Sunmin Kim from South Korea!

Sunmin Kim

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I am Sunmin Kim, the representative director of mlt architects. mlt architects ‒ stands for min lab for things ‒ is an architectural design and research group based in Seoul. It explores new possibilities of architecture through the combination of various things such as users, environment, materials, and programs with the various architectural phenomenas that stem from society, culture, and engineering in everyday life.

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?

Our office started out as a housing project. Since then, my interest in furniture, lighting, and props suitable for the space has grown as I have proceeded with interior and various architectural plans. Rather than just furniture and lighting as objects, I want to grasp the characteristics of users, environment, materials, etc. and combine them with the space plan to make the atmosphere of the space I want more dramatic.

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

To me, architecture is the creation of a space that provides abundance in people's lives. In the end, all architectural activities are connected to people's lives, and space can not only play a positive role in them, but also have a better impact. Therefore, in society, architects should not just stop constructing buildings, but also think about how the building can affect users, the city, and the society.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I believe that architectural competitions serve as a platform for exchanging diverse opinions around a single theme. That is why I am participating, striving to broaden the diversity of thought and create a new framework that breaks away from stereotypes.

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

First of all, just give it a try. I hope you freely unleash the imaginations you haven't been able to express in the past. Please view the purpose of this contest not as winning, but as personal growth, and approach it with a relaxed mind.