The Home of Shadows #2 competition Honorable mention winner - Quy Phu Nguyen

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our "The Home of Shadows #2" competition – Quy Phu Nguyen from Germany!

Quy Phu Nguyen from Germany

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 completed my Master's degree last year and am currently working in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. In the office, I work on competitions, design studies, and both urban planning and architectural projects.

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 enjoy working on cultural and residential projects, ranging from 10 sqm to 20,000 sqm GFA. I find it especially motivating to work on projects that can introduce or trigger something new, whether socially or architecturally. This could be a new form, meaning, value, or way of experiencing the context.

My most recent achievement was winning second prize in the YAC-Data Landscape competition. This experience significantly enhanced my understanding of logical design processes.

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

Architecture is both my profession and passion. I believe the role of architecture extends beyond just creating buildings. It's a unique way of thinking and problem-solving that can be applied to various social and material challenges. While the primary focus remains on creating good and beautiful buildings, I think architects of the future may need to adapt to broader roles, especially as automation and artificial intelligence continue to advance.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions provide an opportunity to explore and share innovative ideas. For instance, this competition allows me to investigate the concept of a "Stonehenge house" - an idea I've been curious about and eager to develop beyond just a personal project.

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