The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #5 1st Prize winners - Alessia Angela Sanchez, Erminia Cirillo and Adele Maria Saita

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st Prize winners of our "The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #5" competition – Alessia Angela Sanchez, Erminia Cirillo and Adele Maria Saita from Italy!

Alessia Angela Sanchez, Erminia Cirillo and Adele Maria Saita

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 a team of students and recent graduates from Italy, currently based in the Netherlands to explore new opportunities in architecture and design. Our international backgrounds range from architectural studies to urban planning and interdisciplinary design.

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?

Our work spans multiple scales, from urban planning to detailed, material-focused explorations. We approach architecture with an interdisciplinary perspective, often integrating insights from art and other creative fields. Currently, we are particularly engaged in artistic projects that question and reinterpret urban and architectural practices. Through these experiments, our interest in architecture has deepened, allowing us to bridge creative expression with spatial design.

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

For us, architecture is more than just a means of creating space it is a way to bring ideas to life, communicate with others, and craft meaningful narratives around people’s experiences. It is not merely about declaring solutions but about asking the right questions, challenging reality, and imagining what could be. Architecture lasting impact makes it an immense responsibility, as the spaces we design shape how people move, pause, and interact across generations. This awareness drives us to approach architecture with care and purpose. Competitions like this one are especially meaningful to us, as they provide a space where architecture can be poetic, evoke emotions, and awaken awareness particularly in response to profound social issues such as the memory of the atomic bomb.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We participate in architecture competitions to exercise our creativity and express our freedom. After graduation, entering a firm often means conforming to established practices, making it harder to think outside the box. Competitions, on the other hand, allow us to experiment, take risks, and question conventional approaches. Beyond personal growth, these challenges connect us to the international architecture community, fostering discussions on pressing global issues and becoming a tool for dialogue and reflection.

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

Just do it. Participating in architecture competitions is an experience itself, not only to explore the field of architecture but also to learn about yourself. You might discover new passions, interests, or ways of thinking that you hadn’t considered before. Competitions allow you to collaborate, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions on global issues. They are not just about designing; they are about questioning, reflecting, and pushing boundaries. Most importantly, have fun. Competitions are an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your team, challenge yourselves, and create moments you’ll remember forever. Don’t be afraid to take risks, embrace uncertainty, and stay open to how ideas naturally evolve.