The Home of Shadows #2 competition 2nd and Student prize winner - Yufei Dong

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd and Student prize winner of our "The Home of Shadows #2" competition – Yufei Dong from China!

Yufei Dong from China

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 currently a senior at Southeast University with a passion for exploring the relationships between spaces and how architecture can provide different sensory experiences.

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 am currently working on the design of a non-profit project. As one of the initiators and designers, we aim to design and build 100 libraries in rural China. This is a long-term plan. So far, we have built three libraries, and three more are still in the design phase.

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

I believe that architecture can change people's sensory experiences and contribute to society. As an architecture student, our training in design courses usually focuses on optimizing and improving spaces purely from an architectural perspective. However, after gaining more practical experience, I realized that the role of an architect extends far beyond that. It is about truly empathizing with the users and imagining the significance and impact a column, a wall, or a beam might have on them.

The charm of architecture lies in the delayed experience of the user. This is what design brings to the designer—a sense of anticipation. When we see users fully immerse themselves in a space and feel the intention behind the design, that is the moment when the true meaning of architecture reveals itself.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

As an architecture student, I believe that the design opportunities we encounter in school are limited. Architectural competitions, however, push me forward, helping me explore what design can be like under extreme conditions. Additionally, the impact of natural light on architecture is a theme I have always wanted to explore further.

Competitions provide a broader platform that challenges my creativity and problem-solving skills, pushing me to think beyond conventional limits and explore innovative solutions. The dynamic interplay of natural light within spaces not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also profoundly influences the user's experience and well-being. By participating in these competitions, I can delve deeper into how light shapes spaces, creates moods, and affects the functionality of buildings.

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

Competitions push you to think creatively and innovate within constraints. If you enjoy solving complex design problems and exploring new ideas, competitions can be a valuable learning experience. Moreover, competitions offer you a chance to receive feedback and critique on your designs. They provide an opportunity to learn from both successes and setbacks, helping you grow as a designer.