The Home of Shadows #4 competition Honorable mention winner - Sascha Röhren

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our The Home of Shadows #4 competition – Sascha Röhren from Germany!

Sascha Röhren

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 transitioned into the field of architecture after a twelve-year career as a professional soldier. Following this change, I completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Architecture. I am currently employed full-time at an architectural office in Cologne, Germany, working across all project phases. While my primary focus lies in construction management, I am actively involved in all stages of the design and realization process, from concept development to execution. This background allows me to combine strategic thinking, practical experience, and a strong understanding of architectural processes.

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?

The projects I have been involved with cover a wide range of building typologies and scales. My current professional focus lies primarily on commercial buildings, where I am engaged in both design coordination and construction supervision. In addition, I have been involved in the realization of educational buildings, including a university project, as well as residential developments and office buildings. This broad project spectrum has provided experience across different functional requirements, spatial scales, and levels of complexity.

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

Architecture, to me, is the conscious shaping of space in response to human needs, context, and time. The role of the architect is to translate complex requirements into clear, functional, and meaningful environments that support everyday life. Beyond form and aesthetics, architecture carries social responsibility by creating spaces that are durable, adaptable, and respectful of their users. An architect therefore acts as both designer and mediator between people, space, and reality.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I participate in architecture competitions as a way to explore architectural ideas beyond the constraints of everyday practice. Competitions offer the freedom to focus on fundamental questions of space, atmosphere, and concept, while sharpening design thinking and clarity. They also provide an opportunity for personal development and reflection, allowing architectural ideas to be tested, refined, and communicated with precision.

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

I believe that participating in architecture competitions is a personal decision and should be based on whether one finds value, enjoyment, and motivation in the process. Competitions require curiosity and intrinsic interest, as meaningful results emerge only when the work is driven by genuine engagement. When approached this way, they offer a valuable opportunity to experiment, reflect, and develop architectural thinking beyond the constraints of everyday practice.