The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial #4 competition Honorable mention winners - Kaywon University of Art & Design

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial #4" competition – Gihoon Kim and Shin Jeong Ho from South Korea!

Gihoon Kim and Shin Jeong Ho

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 pursuing bachelor's degrees in architecture and interior architecture at Kaywon University of Art & Design. We have worked on various projects together through studio-style lectures and, externally, are involved in exhibition and visual design projects in Korea.

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?

Through interior architecture competitions and studio projects in architecture school, we have been constantly searching for answers at the boundary between architecture and interior architecture. In this process, we gradually built our own identity. In pa rticular, we focused on a project that emphasized the importance of animal protection due to global warming, and designed an exhibition space around this theme. The exhibition space was more than just an exhibition, but a conceptual design that effectively conveyed the message of environmental issues and animal protection to the audience.

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

Seoul can be seen as an example of the architectural and cultural violence caused by economic logic. We need to revive the essence and meaning of architecture, which is increasingly being forgotten. Architecture is more than just a structure that fulfills functions and needs; it is a vessel for human life and emotions, and an important medium for reflecting society and culture. Therefore, I think we should move away from simple concrete buildings and try new challenges with architectural performances that can stimulate emotions and leave a deep impression on people.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in an architectural competition involves learning to think deeply through a process where there are no right answers, while developing the creative ability to think outside the box. It is also an important opportunity to strengthen teamwork and learn how to collaborate effectively.

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

Do it, do it, do it all, and regret it later.