Virtual Home / Edition #2 Honorable mention winners - Omar Elbardawily, Amro Morsi, Mohammed Saad, Muhamed Aziz

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honourable mention winners of our "Virtual Home / Edition #2" competition – Omar Elbardawily, Amro Morsi, Mohammed Saad, Muhamed Aziz from Egypt!

Honorable mention winners from Egypt

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.

Orion Design Studio is a conceptual office that we currently operate until its official launch. Founded by the four of us, our aim is to create cutting-edge mega projects that leverage advanced technology, such as interactive walkthroughs and VR experiences.

Omar Elbardawily: I am currently employed at Aldaly Consultants, a specialized firm in hospital design. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of designing multiple hospitals, including Naser Medical City, Demrdash Hospital, and Eman General Hospital in Asuit, among others. My role involves overseeing the design process from conceptualization to execution drawings, with a primary focus on designing plans and coordinating with different disciplines and my team.

Amro Morsi: I am currently employed at Aldaly Consultants, specializing in hospital design. In my professional career, I have handled seven major projects involving healthcare facility design and sustainability. As a junior design architect at Daly Consults in Cairo, my responsibilities include spearheading the design and development of large-scale megaprojects, ensuring compliance with rules, international codes, and fire and life safety principles, and collaborating extensively with cross-functional disciplines.

Muhamed Aziz: I am currently employed as a teaching assistant at Ain Shams University, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, FEDA, and Junior Architect at Khatib & Alami (K&A) multidisciplinary design consultancy in Egypt. Over my career, I have had the honor of developing numerous megaprojects in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Managing the entire design process—from conceptual design to execution drawings—is part of my job description. I have handled multiple projects in coordination and detailing, including Jeddah Central Project's stadium designed by GMP and Shura Island hotels designed by Foster + Partners.

Mohamed Saad: I am currently employed at MTA Consultants, a specialized firm in design & visualization. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of visualizing multiple projects, including the Rift, Lumia Residence, and Samirai Project in KSA, among others. My role involves leading the design process, from conceptual design to final render, with a primary focus on facade design, professional composition, and coordination with my team.

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

Architecture is a powerful cultural and philosophical force that both mirrors and molds a society's values, beliefs, and ambitions. It encompasses various dimensions: cultural identity, where architectural styles and forms embody the traditions and symbolism of a culture; social interaction, as architecture influences how people interact and behave in public and private spaces; symbolism and meaning, with buildings representing religious, civic, or communal ideals; the philosophy of space, exploring the nature of space and its impact on human experience; and sustainability and ethics, where architecture promotes environmentally conscious and socially responsible practices. Ultimately, architecture serves as an expressive medium that shapes the physical and experiential aspects of our environment, reflecting and shaping society's essence.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Engaging in architecture competitions provides a valuable opportunity to keep one's mind sharp, vibrant, and away from rusting, as these competitions consistently seek exceptional and innovative ideas. Whether it involves designing, conceptualizing, or proposing solutions for challenging architectural situations, competitions encourage participants to think outside conventional boundaries. By participating, individuals are exposed to a diverse group of creative thinkers, inspiring them to push their own boundaries and come up with fresh and unconventional approaches. It is a chance to think beyond the already unconventional ideas of others and showcase truly out-of-the-box thinking.

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 a competition allows you to gauge your abilities alongside passionate architects and assess your standing in the field of architecture. Even if you don't emerge as the winner, the experience helps you identify areas for improvement and strive for growth. This evaluation extends beyond local boundaries, providing a global perspective and prompting you to enhance your skills on an international scale.