Workplace Reimagined Honorable mention winners - Giulia Prina Mello, Maria Chiara Samele and Giacomo Caserta

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "Workplace Reimagined" competition – Giulia Prina Mello, Maria Chiara Samele and Giacomo Caserta from Italy!

Giulia Prina Mello, Maria Chiara Samele and Giacomo Caserta 

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.

Our group is made up of three Interior Design students, enrolled in the third year at the Institute of Applied Arts - IAAD in Turin. The submitted project was developed during the academic course Space Systems Design held by Professor Walter Nicolino, coordinator of the Interior Design Department. During these three academic years each of us has developed skills in different fields, some more in the creative and some in the technical, thus creating an excellent and balanced group work. 

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 project aims to regenerate an abandoned building in Puglia, a region in the south of Italy. We decided to focus on this specific area because it is a victim of the depopulation issue; to give an idea of the extent of the process, more than one and a half million people have left Southern Italy over the last ten years. While developing the project, we chose to focus on a broad scale, thus having the opportunity to replicate and share it with other existing abandoned structures. Additionally, the inclusion of elements designed by local small companies is  a key element of the project, as well as the use of restored second-hand furniture recovered from commercial activities or countrysides surrounding the work site. 

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

 For us, interior architecture represents the opportunity to fully express our thoughts and creativity, by meeting the needs of a user and fulfilling their desires in the best possible way. It's a continuous reflection on the changes in people’sl lifestyles, a commitment to creating new ways of living spaces, both indoors and outdoors, always aligned with the new needs of the community. The interior architect is responsible for exploring current needs, presenting various spatial solutions designed to serve humanity, making their daily activities easier. Moreover, their role involves creating a sense of community, especially if the space being created is public, promoting social interaction and collective well-being.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Participating in architecture competitions offers a valuable opportunity to engage with professionals from around the world and acquire new knowledge, especially when projects are carried out in teams. This experience involves the ability to collaborate with others and compare different ideas to create a final project. Moreover, competitions typically present design challenges that demand innovative solutions, encouraging the development of new design approaches. Additionally, taking part in these competitions provides significant visibility and prestige, showcasing one's work to a wide audience and increasing future opportunities, both academically and professionally.

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

Architectural competitions represent a truly exciting opportunity for architects and designers of all experience levels. First of all, winning or even being selected for a prestigious competition can bring significant visibility to your work and your name. It's a great way to get noticed in the industry and attract new commissions. In addition, preparing a competition proposal will push you to stretch your creative limits and test your design abilities.Through this growth process, you can improve your capabilities and become a more proficient professional. Furthermore, architectural competitions often involve innovative and stimulating projects that you would rarely have the chance to work on otherwise. So don't hesitate, get involved! Architectural competitions are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent and advance your career.