Workplace Reimagined 2nd prize winners - Junbo Chen and Jiamu Cao

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd prize winners of our "Workplace Reimagined" competition – Junbo Chen and Jiamu Cao from China!

Junbo Chen and Jiamu Cao

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.

Both of us are from Beijing, China, and we are fourth-year students majoring in architecture at Beijing University of Technology. As students, we receive a comprehensive education in architectural fundamentals at school. Apart from course design, we also participated in some design competitions to broaden our horizons and enrich our experience of design, which sparking our interest in realistic architectural issues.

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?

The course designs we have been involved in encompass residential areas, renovation of urban areas, and we are currently engaged in the design of a high-rise mixed-use complex. Additionally, we have participated in an interior design project and construction for an independent flower shop brand.

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

In recent years, the construction industry has been undergoing iteration and transformation within our society. Many architects are facing such challenges, and we will be among them. As architecture students, we do not see this as a bad thing; instead, it fosters the emergence of new ideas, even their application and implementation, which was almost impossible in the previously rapidly developing social conditions. It is precisely because of this that we will continue to learn and grow in this industry, to address future challenges and opportunities.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Architectural competitions provide an kerf to look though real issues around us and encourage designers to think outside the box . This is a great opportunity to help architects understand the world, mutually, it allows the world to meet our vision.

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

We recommend that more colleagues get involved in architectural competitions. Without a doubt, the more you try, the higher the likelihood of success. However, the most crucial aspect isn't the ranking but rather the process of participation and the inspiration it brings.