Architecture Competition Tili Wine Italy Guest Homes 2nd prize winner – Mariana Lorga Simões

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winner of our "Tili Wine Italy Guest Homes" competition – Mariana Lorga Simões from Portugal!

Mariana Lorga Simões from Portugal

In 2019 I graduated with a Master in Architecture from, ISCTE-IUL in Lisbon. Throughout the years, I have worked for different architecture pratices such as A+Architecture, PG Arquitectos, Conde Paradela Arquitectos and +3ª Equipa de Arquitectura. In 2022 I created both a 3D vizualization practice called Cuco Studio and my architecture practice, being this competition my third solo project.

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?

Since the begining of the practice I work mainly on small scale projects like apartment and house refurbishments. This kind of competitions gives me the oportunity to work on projects with a bigger scale and different programs than I am used to.

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

In my opinion, the role of an architect is to promote the quality of life of everybody who uses our spaces. In my point of view, we should study more about how our designs influences peoples well beign and everyday life and try to always improve their living conditions with every decision we make.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I think architecture competitions are very importante to chalenge my day to day work and take me out of my comfort zone. The start of a new project is always very exciting and the competition format, where we only get feedback in the end, makes it even more thriling.

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 is to go for it. If you have the time, you don’t have anything to lose and, as I said, the process is quite fun.