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