The Home of Shadows #2 competition Honorable mention winners - Daria Zhelizna and Sofiia Tatarkina

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "The Home of Shadows #2" competition – Daria Zhelizna and Sofiia Tatarkina from Poland!

Daria Zhelizna and Sofiia Tatarkina from Poland

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.

We are third-year architecture students from Warsaw Polytechnic. As we approach our final year, we wanted to diversify our portfolios and gain professional experience through collaborative projects. One of us is currently working as a lighting designer, while the other is pursuing a career in architecture. This combination of skills allows us to approach our projects with a unique perspective, blending creative design with practical lighting solutions.

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?

"Home of Shadow" was our first collaboration, and it certainly won't be our last, as we’ve learned a great deal from each other throughout this process. Currently, as students, we are focused on projects at the local community scale. Professionally, one of us primarily works with urban planning and designing family houses, while the other is involved with commercial building projects and local community architecture. This blend of interests allowed "Home of Shadow" to sit perfectly at the intersection of our individual focuses. Moving forward, we plan to continue selecting projects that align with our shared interests and expertise.

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

To us, architecture is about creating spaces and evoking emotions. It is the fusion of precise science and creativity, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics. The role of an architect in our society is to design spaces that are both practical and visually inspiring. Architects have the responsibility to create buildings and environments that improve the quality of life, reflect cultural values, and promote sustainability and community growth. By combining technical skills with artistic vision, architects shape the built environment in ways that meet the needs and aspirations of society.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We believe that participating in architectural competitions offers several key benefits. It allows us to gain new experiences and practice teamwork, which are crucial for our professional development. Competitions also provide an opportunity to add innovative projects to our portfolios, showcasing our skills and creativity. Furthermore, we acquire valuable skills that will be useful in our future work and studies, making us more attractive to potential employers.

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

For those who are unsure whether participating in architectural competitions is worth it, we suggest first clarifying your goals. Consider what you want to achieve — whether it’s gaining experience, improving your portfolio, or networking with industry professionals. Understanding your objectives will guide your decision. Embrace the unique challenges that competitions present, as they often involve problems not encountered in typical projects. Tackling these challenges will help you grow as an architect and enhance your skills. Competitions also offer a platform to showcase your creativity and innovation, which can be highly rewarding and inspiring.