Virtual Home / Edition #2 Honorable mention winners - Maedeh Ghanbarian, Kimia Kaveh, Mahshid Goleyj, Arezoo Soltani

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honourable mention winners of our "Virtual Home / Edition #2" competition – Maedeh Ghanbarian, Kimia Kaveh, Mahshid Goleyj, Arezoo Soltani from United Arab Emirates!

Maedeh Ghanbarian, Kimia Kaveh, Mahshid Goleyj, Arezoo Soltani from United Arab Emirates

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.

We met each other in an architectural workshop and decided to participate in this competition. We completed our bachelor's studies at the same university, but we have different specializations. Arzoo researches in the field of artificial intelligence and algorithmic architecture. Maedeh and Mahshid are completing their master's studies in architectural technology, and Kimia is studying interior design.

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?

This is the first project we carried out together. The previous projects we worked on are mostly university projects on multiple scales, in addition to competition entries and projects carried out during internships.

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

In the tapestry of our digital existence, architecture is not just an arrangement of lines and forms but the manifestation of innovation and the silent conductor of societal evolution. It is the poetry of space, a dance between functionality and aesthetics, and the architect, a visionary alchemist transmuting dreams into structures that resonate with the zeitgeist.

In the symphony of existence, architecture, to us, is the lyrical composition that orchestrates the dialogue between form and function, aesthetics and purpose. It is not merely the arrangement of bricks and mortar but the manifestation of human ingenuity, a testament to our capacity to shape the world around us. In the intricate dance of lines and spaces, architecture becomes the silent poet, narrating stories of culture, innovation, and the collective aspirations of a society.

To us, architecture is the eloquent language with which we articulate the aspirations and identity of our society. It is a symphony of purposeful design, sustainable practices, and timeless beauty that harmonizes with the ever-changing cadence of human needs. The architect, in our envisioning, assumes the mantle of a cultural custodian, a guardian of the past, present, and future. In the dynamic landscape of our society, the role of the architect extends far beyond the blueprints. They are the custodians of innovation, pioneers of sustainable design, and creators of spaces that foster connectivity and well-being.

The architect is a storyteller, weaving narratives through structures that echo the collective desires of a community. The architect, in the tapestry of our societal evolution, assumes the role of a visionary conductor. Beyond the conventional blueprints, they wield the baton of creativity and foresight, composing structures that transcend the utilitarian to become harmonious reflections of our values.

The architect is not confined to the drafting board; they are custodians of cultural continuity and pioneers of progressive design thinking. In the ever-evolving narrative of our society, architects are the authors of our built environment, crafting chapters that speak to the zeitgeist of each era. The responsibility transcends the tangible; it extends into the intangible realms of emotion, identity, and sustainability. The architect is a guardian of the past, a steward of the present, and a trailblazer for the future.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

As a participant in architecture competitions, our engagement transcends the mere pursuit of accolades; it is a deliberate and strategic endeavor rooted in a multifaceted vision.

Firstly, architecture competitions serve as crucibles for intellectual growth and creative refinement. The challenges posed by these competitions demand a synthesis of innovation, functionality, and aesthetic finesse. Each competition becomes a platform to push the boundaries of conventional design thinking, fostering a perpetual evolution of our skills and perspectives.

Secondly, these competitions offer a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary engagement. The diverse panels of judges, often comprising experts from various fields, provide a chance to receive critical feedback and insights. This not only enriches our understanding but also facilitates the cross-pollination of ideas, fostering a collaborative mindset essential for addressing complex societal challenges through architecture.

Participation in competitions serves as a conduit for societal dialogue. By responding to competition briefs, we actively engage with contemporary issues, contributing architectural solutions that go beyond the realm of aesthetics. It is a conscious effort to embed social consciousness and responsibility into the very fabric of our designs, ensuring that each architectural proposal addresses real-world challenges and aspirations.

Furthermore, competitions serve as a showcase for our personal ethos and design philosophy. The competition entries become manifestos, articulating not only what we can create but also what we believe architecture should aspire to achieve in a broader societal context. By actively engaging in these platforms, we position ourselves as advocates for innovative, thoughtful, and responsible design. It is a conscious effort to be a catalyst for positive change, challenging established norms and contributing to the ongoing narrative of architectural evolution.

In essence, our participation in architecture competitions is not merely a pursuit of recognition; it is a deliberate and strategic investment in personal growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, societal engagement, and the articulation of a transformative vision for the future of architecture.

Furthermore, in the competition, our aspiration is not merely to participate but to present a vision that resonates with intellect and imagination. We aim to contribute to the discourse on the future of architecture, where innovation and purpose converge to redefine the boundaries of what is possible.

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

Participating in architecture competitions is a transformative endeavor with multifaceted benefits that extend far beyond immediate recognition. These competitions provide architects with a dynamic platform for continuous skill enhancement. Tackling diverse design challenges encourages participants to push their creative boundaries, fostering a perpetual learning curve and contributing to the refinement of their architectural skills.

Successful participation in competitions enriches an architect's portfolio with dynamic and diverse projects. Whether winning or being in the shortlist and recognized in prestigious competitions, this accolade enhances the visual narrative of one's work. A compelling portfolio, in turn, becomes more attractive to potential employers, clients, or collaborators, opening doors to exciting opportunities in the architectural landscape.

Architecture competitions attract a diverse pool of participants, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas and exposure to various design approaches and cultural influences. This exposure broadens an architect's perspective and nurtures a more inclusive and well-rounded design ethos. Moreover, these competitions often involve esteemed juries and industry professionals, offering participants unique networking opportunities. Connecting with influential figures, potential mentors, collaborators, and peers can lead to invaluable connections that shape an architect's professional journey.

Professional recognition is a significant outcome of competition success. Winning or even being shortlisted in reputable competitions serves as a powerful testament to the quality of an architect's work. This recognition establishes credibility and distinguishes participants in a competitive industry, potentially leading to increased visibility and prominence within the architectural community.

Beyond individual achievements, architecture competitions contribute to the broader discourse on the built environment. Many competitions are centered around real-world challenges, prompting architects to engage with practical issues and propose tangible solutions. This experience enhances problem-solving skills and the ability to address societal and environmental concerns through innovative design.

Participation in architecture competitions is not only an opportunity for architects to express their unique design philosophies and creative identities but also a chance to contribute to the evolution of the architectural discourse. These competitions often seek innovative and groundbreaking ideas, providing architects with a platform to experiment with new technologies, materials, and design concepts.

Successfully navigating the challenges presented by competition briefs fosters personal growth and builds confidence. Architects learn to embrace constraints, navigate uncertainty, and emerge with a heightened sense of self-assurance in their abilities. Encouraging participation in architecture competitions is an investment in professional growth, networking, and the cultivation of a distinctive design identity. The benefits extend beyond the competition itself, impacting participants' careers, perspectives, and contributions to the field of architecture.