The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #3 Honorable mention winner - Ayberk Aydin

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #3" competition – Ayberk Aydin from Turkey!

Ayberk Aydin

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 was born in Turkey in 2002. I completed my primary, secondary, and high school education in Bursa. Currently, I am a 3rd-year student of architecture at Istanbul Technical University. At ITU, I have developed my architectural perspective by taking lessons from valuable and experienced professors in their field. I am currently continuing my studies.

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?

At the scale where I choose to work, I enjoy creating designs that are valued and shaped by people. The projects I participated in at school focused on educational buildings and aimed to create spaces for children in the city. I was involved in a primary school design project for children in a competition I had previously participated in. Currently, we are in the process of designing a modern art museum complex in a historical area. Adding value to architecture on this scale is one of the things that brings me happiness.

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

For me, architecture is the highest form of art that shapes the culture, identity, and related parameters of a society. An architect is a social figure tasked with preserving these values among the public and carrying them into the future. It is very valuable for society when these two concepts work in harmony with each other.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architectural competitions are a challenge in which I can easily reflect my own design approach. The reason I participate in competitions is to challenge myself with talented designers from all over the world. The unique atmosphere of each project pushes the designer to solve the problem by approaching it in sustainable and effective ways.

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

My advice to them is to jump into the water suddenly, like a baby learning to swim. Each competition means gaining more experience and seeing more precedents. I believe that gaining this experience early will take one step further in both student and professional life.