Architecture Competition Vancouver Affordable Housing Challenge 3rd and Aapparel Sustainability prize winner – Martin Chow

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd and Sustainability prize winner of our "Vancouver Affordable Housing Challenge" competition – Martin Chow from Canada!

Martin Chow from Canada

SvN Architects - Toronto (roughly 100 employees), previously Perkins + Will - Toronto (roughly 100 employees). Projects: Transit Oriented Communities (TOC), rezoning-level masterplans, institutional/higher-education, sports+rec centres, high-rise residential

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

Architects are both engineers and artists, giving the people what they need as effectively as possible, while also giving the people what they want, which is to surprise and delight

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I usually don't participate in competitions, but the topic of solving affordable housing (simultaneously with the problem of sprawl) is near and dear to me as someone who values nature's role in cities, and wishes for everyone to be able to live with dignity and comfort. Affordability shouldn't be about living with less, but rather offering good value by reducing scarcity in an environmentally responsible manner.

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

Find the competition that allows you to present an idea that you've always wanted to explore anyway. Never do it for the sake of winning.