The Architect’s Stair #3 competition 1st Prize winner - Zuhtu Usta

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st Prize winner of our The Architect’s Stair #3 competition – Zuhtu Usta from Turkey!

1st Prize winner

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 hold a Master’s degree in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University (2008). With over 15 years of professional experience, I spent a significant portion of my career at the Istanbul-based firm Mango Architects, leading diverse design processes. Currently, I focus on enriching my professional practice through international competitions, viewing these platforms as a vital arena for exploring innovative design languages and expanding my architectural vision.

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?

Throughout my professional career, I have had the opportunity to work on various typologies. The projects I have been involved in are mostly large- scale, including office buildings, hotels, residential buildings, industrial and technological structures. To keep my design practice dynamic, I have also participated in national and international competitions, working on religious buildings, educational facilities, and public structures.

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

I believe architecture is an interdisciplinary phenomenon inherent in every society, individual, and even in nature itself. Unlike others, architects strive to embody the creative acts found in nature and societies with a deliberate accumulation of knowledge and consciousness, and we must continue this endeavor. This illustrates that architecture transcends mere aesthetic expression, exerting a transformative and guiding impact on societies.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in competitions to push the boundaries of my design practice beyond the constraints of daily professional work. These platforms provide an essential arena for critical thinking, allowing me to explore speculative ideas and innovative materials that foster continuous professional growth.

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

The greatest benefit of architecture competitions lies in the design process itself. For individuals who are open to challenging themselves, learning, and exploring new horizons, it's a highly rewarding experience. Additionally, the design practice and experience gained through competitions will gradually show its impact on daily work and projects over time. Participating in competitions fosters creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, which are essential skills for any architect.