Architecture Competition Yoga House in the Bog Student Award winner – POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF MADRID

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Student prize winners of our "Yoga House in the Bog" competition – Pablo Navas Díaz and Carmen Povedano Olleros from Spain!

Student prize winners from Spain

Carmen Povedano and Pablo Navas are two students from the "Universidad Politécnica de Madrid" with a solid academic record. Additionally, they have enriched their knowledge by working at significant architectural firms such as Barozzi Veiga, Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos, and Tuñón y Albornoz Arquitectos. Always striving for a social and naturalistic approach, they have participated in various competitions where they have been awarded prestigious prizes, including 'EUROPAN 16', 'Real Academia de España en Roma', 'Félix Candela Award', 'Arquia Scholarship', and 'Evolo 21 Skyscraper Competition', among others. Carmen Povedano's dedication to social work is evident in her participation in the "Shelters Workshop" at the Norman Foster Foundation. These two young, passionate architects aim to use architecture as a means to contribute to and appreciate the world.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, and any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been involved?

Throughout their short yet intense careers, Povedano and Navas have worked on a variety of projects, both within their jobs and individually. These projects have encompassed a wide range, including single-family homes, residential towers, museums, innovation centers, offices, stores, urban development projects, and landscaping. However, their primary focus and preference lie in the field of residential architecture.

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

According to Povedano Navas, architecture is a form of social work and a means to enhance our world. It goes beyond its physical aspects, encompassing a deeper purpose: connecting people to their environment and cultivating a heightened awareness of the natural world, ultimately enriching their daily experiences. Architects play a pivotal role in shaping society by designing spaces that foster community and social interaction. Through their creations, they contribute to the well-being of individuals and the preservation of our world.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

Competitions enable us to explore innovative design approaches, push our creative boundaries, and demonstrate our ability to create spaces that enhance the experience within a harmonious and inspiring environment. We embrace the challenge of crafting architecture that respects the distinctiveness of a place and nurtures a profound connection between people and their surroundings, and this competition offered the perfect opportunity to do so.

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

Competitions provide a unique opportunity to explore innovative design approaches and push the boundaries of creativity. The competitive environment encourages experimentation and fosters creative thinking, promoting personal growth and development as an architect. Moreover, participating in competitions enables you to challenge yourself and learn from the work of other talented individuals from around the world. The process of researching, conceptualizing, and presenting your ideas can be a valuable learning experience that sharpens your architectural skills and enhances your problem-solving abilities. For these reasons and many more, we wholeheartedly recommend engaging in this experience, irrespective of whether you emerge as a winner or not.