The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #5 Honorable mention winners - Université Laval School of Architecture

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #5" competition – Louis Bourdages and Cedric Harvey from Canada!

Louis Bourdages and Cedric Harvey

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 two master's students in architecture at Université Laval in Québec, driven by a shared passion for innovation and pushing creative boundaries. Although we studied at the same university, our real collaboration began at the Fablab, the school's digital fabrication committee. What started as an interest in fabrication quickly turned into a strong partnership, both in academic and professional settings. Over time, we realized how well our ambitions, skills, and values aligned, allowing us to create meaningful projects that bridge technical experimentation and thoughtful 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 has allowed us to explore architecture and fabrication from multiple angles. We've experimented with a wide range of digital and material processes, from laser cutting and CNC milling to 3D concrete printing, always looking for new ways to push these techniques further. Our projects focus on finding a balance between innovation and simplicity, using parametric design and material exploration in ways that remain efficient, adaptable, and human-centered.

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

For us, architecture is about reimagining possibilities. It’s not just about designing spaces, but about shaping experiences and challenging conventions. We believe it should spark imagination, offer unexpected moments, and be accessible to everyone—not just a privileged few. If architects don’t push boundaries and question the status quo, then who will?

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

This competition stood out to us because of its unique challenge. From the start, we had a clear vision: creating a paradoxical experience that combines inflatable architecture with a bold, radiant presence—both inviting and confrontational. The technical complexity made it even more exciting, as it required us to rethink conventional modeling methods. More than anything, we saw this as an opportunity to experiment, take risks, and contribute something fresh to the architectural dialogue.

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

Just go for it. But do it for the right reasons. Competitions are not just about winning; they’re a chance to explore, refine your ideas, and collaborate with people who push you further. Give yourself the time and space to experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail. Whether you win or not, you come out of it with a stronger vision, new skills, and a deeper understanding of your own approach to architecture.