The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial / Edition #3 Honorable mention winners - Sofia Macchia, Eleonora Masia, Sofia Occhialini and Emma Ponti

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial #3" competition – Sofia Macchia, Eleonora Masia, Sofia Occhialini and Emma Ponti from Italy!

Sofia Macchia, Eleonora Masia, Sofia Occhialini and Emma Ponti

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.

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?

So far, we have mostly focused on medium to small architectural scales. Specifically, we have experience with site-specific installations that can evoke feelings and sensations by interacting with space. However, we have also competed in restoration, urban, and landscape projects.

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

Architecture is the act of making a mark in space, a primitive act that satisfies the most basic human needs: to inhabit a place and communicate with others. In other words, architecture creates signs that define places - even the most abstract ones - of encounter, but it is the act of encountering that truly gives significance to those signs. Recognizing the purpose of architecture, the architect's duty is empathy, which is stirred by a deep understanding of sciences and arts. Empathy must be the means of observing and comprehending society, and placing ourselves at its service to promote human interaction.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions is a great opportunity to gain experience in a professional field before graduating. It may enrich a student's formation with new ideas, together with learning how to cope with tight deadlines, team work and responsibilities. The most challenging thing about this is not having someone guiding us throughout the process, but it is up to us to be more self-critical and enterprising.

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

We are well aware that it may seem like something that is way out of reach, especially for the youngest who are just beginning to explore the world of competitions, but it is a rewarding experience regardless of the outcome. Furthermore, getting involved in competitions not only enriches you personally but also enhances your professional profile and promotes it, as it introduces you to other architects around the world. Sometimes, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!