Architecture Competition Timber Pavilion 1st and Aapparel Sustainability prize winner – Emma Jurczynski

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 1st and Aapparel Sustainability prize winner of our "Timber Pavilion" competition – Emma Jurczynski from United Kingdom!

Emma Jurczynski from United Kingdom

Emma is a British-Canadian designer from London. Her practice explores the use and re-use of materials in playful and creative ways. She loves experimenting with the capabilities of wood - or any available material with the potential to be continuously transformed. Emma holds a BSc from the Bartlett School of Architecture and a Master’s of Architecture from MIT. She has worked both in the UK and the US, and is currently working in Mexico City. This summer, Emma is exhibiting a timber pavilion, entitled Tree-House, at the IKEA H22 expo in Helsingborg.

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?

Emma’s practice focuses on material research and creative application in design. Her ongoing project entitled ‘Who Cares?’ explores methods of care-and-repair to extend the lifespan of used materials. ROUGH CUT grew from an exploration into the reuse of dimensional wood through a series of assemblies that maximize the quantity of re-used materials in the structure, preventing them from going to landfills.

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

Architecture is simply thinking about the way we live, however complex that is. It is a method of care to maintain, repair, and continue the use of existing materials, whilst nurturing the potential for social care as integrated within these processes. The role of the architect is to take an approach to design that prioritizes the relationship between our planet and people, and our connected, continued livability.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architecture competitions are an excellent provocation for creative exploration. They are a fun opportunity to explore new ideas and develop or challenge existing ones playfully.

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

Competitions often have financial and time implications, so it can be difficult to decide whether to apply. I think it is a fabulous opportunity to explore different curiosities and observe what elements in the process of creating a project bring you joy in order to inform future practice.