Foreword
Welcome to the results announcement of the 2nd edition of the Material Matters Essay Competition organized by Archiol Competitions. This event is a celebration of ingenuity, critical thinking, and the profound exploration of materials that form the essence of architecture.
With Material Matters, we envisioned a platform that transcends the traditional boundaries of architectural discourse, inviting participants to delve into the intricate relationship between materials and design. This competition is not merely an essay-writing exercise; it is a call to action for architects, designers, and scholars to reimagine how materials influence the spaces we inhabit and to contemplate their role in shaping a sustainable, technologically advanced, and culturally resonant future.
The second edition of this competition received an inspiring array of essays that challenge conventions and propose innovative perspectives on materiality. These submissions reflect the depth of thought and creativity that our participants bring to their work, exploring themes from sustainability to technological evolution and the cultural narratives embedded in our built environment.
As we unveil the winners, we celebrate the collective effort of a community that values intellectual curiosity and forward-thinking design. We applaud all contributors for their dedication to advancing architectural innovation and thank them for sharing their visionary ideas.
This Essay competition received 68 entries from around the world.
Scroll down to check out the winners.
Top 3
FIRST
Nikitha Madhavan & Preksha Udupa
India
SECOND
Tawisha Dixit, Satyali Singh & Kanwar Rudder Partap Singh
India
THIRD
Athina Azevedo
U.S.
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
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Whispering Voices of Materials in Architecture - A Journey Through Time, Space and Innovation
Nikitha Madhavan & Preksha Udupa
India
JURY COMMENTS
"The essay is beautifully written, with rich descriptive language that elevates the discussion of materials in architecture. It successfully communicates how materials have shaped architecture historically and continues to play a key role in contemporary and sustainable design. The thematic exploration of "voices" of materials adds a unique poetic layer, making the essay both informative and engaging."
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
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The Dynamic Evolution of Materials in Architecture
Tawisha Dixit, Satyali Singh & Kanwar Rudder Partap Singh
India
JURY COMMENTS
"This essay offers a well-rounded and insightful discussion of the evolution of materials in architecture, effectively blending historical perspectives with modern advancements. The overall structure is clear, and the essay presents a good balance between technical details, environmental considerations, and cultural influences."
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
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Case Study: Habitat ‘67
Athina Azevedo
U.S.
JURY COMMENTS
"This essay provides a thorough, well-researched analysis of Habitat 67, showcasing an excellent understanding of its historical context, design principles, and architectural significance. The writer successfully conveys the innovative nature of the project, highlighting its modular design, sustainability aspects, and Moshe Safdie’s vision for affordable, community-oriented urban housing. The essay is rich in detail, from the conceptual development of the project to its construction challenges and eventual legacy."
SPECIAL MENTION
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(Mate)Realising Vision
Aditya Shanbhag & Jimita Tejani
India
JURY COMMENTS
"This essay demonstrates a high level of thought, originality, and alignment with the competition brief. Its combination of theory, practical examples, and poetic narrative sets it apart. The essay demonstrates a deep understanding of materials in architecture and their transformative impact on design. The use of case studies effectively connects theory to practice. The philosophical approach adds depth but could benefit from more practical applications."
Honorable Mention
Anoushka Gaur
India
Sanya Sharma & Suryanshi Dhiman
India
Cagla Karaca
Turkey
Calvin Seth Katimbo
Cyprus
Simay Karadogan
Turkey
HONOURABLE MENTION
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A Symphony of Materials: Crafting the Future of Architecture
Anoushka Gaur
India
JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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The Tactile Experiences-How Materials Shape Our Senses
Sanya Sharma & Suryanshi Dhiman
India
JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Materials and Environment: Is Sustainability a New or Old Phenomenon?
Cagla Karaca
Turkey
JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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The Crucial Role of Material Selection in Architecture
Simay Karadogan
Turkey
JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Exploring the Transformative Role of Materials in Architecture
Calvin Seth Katimbo
Cyprus
JURY COMMENTS
Shortlisted Entries
1. Material Matters: how choosing right materials for your building can transform your design
Amrit Randhawa
India
2. The Significance of Terracotta in Building Construction
Saad Abdul Wahid
India
3. Materials Matter
Anveshikaa Sahu
India
4. Materials Matter - Concrete, The Unseen Hero That Holds Our World Together
Devansh Batra
India
5. Regal and Rudimentary: The Impact of Material Choices on Architectural Trends
Anushka Lomsh
India
6. Craftsmanship and Materials.The Art of Architectural Constructions
Valerie De V
Russia
7. Beyond Function: The Evolutionary Role of Materials in Architecture
Tunisha Kuri
Bangladesh
Announcement in Media
Organizers
