Architecture Competition The Home of Shadows Honorable mention winner – Goldsmiths, University of London

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our "The Home of Shadows" competition – Jiayi Wu, Yi Xu and Ningyue Wang from United Kingdom!

Honorable mention from United Kingdom

Jiayi：I studied Exhibition Design as an undergraduate at Nanjing University of Art, and currently, I am pursuing a program in Expanded Practice with a focus on Space and Participation at Goldsmiths. My research primarily involves exploring interdisciplinary subjects.

Yi：I studied Exhibition Design as an undergraduate at Nanjing University of Art and pursued a graduate degree in Interior Design at the Royal College of Art.

Ningyue: I studied Interior Design as an undergraduate, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Spatial Design at Goldsmiths, University of London. I enjoy exploring the relationship between space and people, creating spatial atmospheres through the design of tactile, visual, and auditory elements.

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

Jiayi：Architecture, to me, is a vessel for both actions and emotions. People navigate through buildings of various functions and diverse styles every day, and human daily life is divided by space. Architects need to have insight into people's needs in order to design spaces, and empathy and a sense of social responsibility are essential qualities.

Yi：Architects play a crucial role in shaping human civilization.Architecture is indispensable to life, and buildings can be found everywhere in our daily lives. They have a tremendous impact on human society and serve as both versatile tools and carriers of ideas.

Ningyue：I see architecture as a unique language that can express the designer's viewpoints, emotions, and intentions through form, structure, space, materials, colors, and other elements. Different architectural styles, material choices, and spatial arrangements can convey different cultures, histories, and social contexts, evoking specific perceptions and understanding from people.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architectural competitions typically present specific themes and goals, often related to social issues or particular needs. These challenges serve as inspiration for architects to think proactively about how design can effectively address real-world problems. Competitions provide a platform for architects to explore new concepts, technologies, and materials, encouraging creative and innovative thinking. For instance, in the "Home of Shadow" project, we discovered that the absence of natural light enhances the connection between humans and nature while deepening our understanding of low-carbon and sustainable development. Participating in competitions also offers valuable opportunities for personal growth, enabling continuous learning, and the expansion of technical and design abilities throughout the process.

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

Designing in isolation is highly discouraged. I believe architectural competitions provide architects with a platform to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and ideas to the world. Moreover, they receive evaluations from top professionals. It is not only an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one's capabilities to the outside world but also a chance for self-improvement.