Workplace Reimagined competition 3rd prize winners - Mohammad Zahidi and Iyaas Mahmood

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 3rd prize winners of our "Workplace Reimagined" competition – Mohammad Zahidi and Iyaas Mahmood from United Kingdom!

Mohammad Zahidi and Iyaas Mahmood

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.

Mohammad Zahidi and Iyaas Mahmood are both graduates of Coventry University and are currently based in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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?

As recent graduates, our individual focuses were mainly aimed at our academic perseverance before coming together to collaborate on this project. As students, we have explored many routes to architectural thinking and development; varying scales to projects and interests.

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

Architecture is a translation medium, and it is as simple as that. Architects come into play as the translator, bridging the gap between imagination and reality. The ethical role of an architect, however, is an integral part of its role in society. A true, rather than ‘ideal’, architect should think about their contribution to humanity and the environment. Nonetheless, this burden should not be shouldered by architects alone. Thus, it was important for us to focus on and involve the local community in this project, despite the aim of the brief wanting to provide a workplace environment.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Although it’s worth noting it’s an opportunity to push boundaries with creativity and technical expertise, like many others have said, who have answered this very question. But, to be real it’s to show the world what we are capable of, either as individuals, architectural designers, or as recent graduates/students, out of the academic/professional settings.

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

We got our full hours of sleep during the project, so what’s there to lose? :)