Foreword
Welcome to the highly anticipated announcement of the results for Archiol's Sustainability Essay Competition. This event has been a celebration of innovation, intellect, and the unwavering commitment of architects and enthusiasts to steer the course toward a more sustainable future.
The essence of this competition lies not only in the exquisite essays submitted but in the collective passion exhibited by participants worldwide. Across continents, boundaries dissolved, and a shared aspiration for sustainable architecture bound us together in this transformative journey.
The magnitude of this challenge is matched only by the brilliance and dedication reflected in the essays we received. The submissions were more than mere words on paper; they encapsulated fervent ideas, bold propositions, and a shared vision for an environmentally conscious architectural landscape.
Join us in acknowledging and celebrating the winners, whose essays stood out amidst a sea of remarkable entries, embodying the spirit of innovation and commitment to sustainable architecture.
Top 3
FIRST
Thien - Nguyen
SECOND
Leo Henry Roth
THIRD
El-Caleb Adeniran
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
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To Build Within the Built Environment
Thien - Nguyen
JURY COMMENTS
The essay demonstrates a solid understanding of sustainable architecture, its historical context, and contemporary issues. It effectively incorporates relevant facts, statistics, and historical examples to support key points. The inclusion of various sources adds credibility to the content.
The essay is generally well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. However, there are some instances where the flow of ideas could be improved for better coherence. Additionally, the essay could benefit from more concise expression in certain sections to enhance readability.
The essay presents a thoughtful analysis of sustainable architecture, emphasizing its evolution and the role of key figures in the field. It successfully combines historical perspectives with contemporary challenges, showcasing original thought. The inclusion of technological advancements and software like the 2030 Palette adds a forward-looking dimension.
The essay effectively addresses current environmental challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices in architecture. It links the impact of construction on carbon emissions to global warming and acknowledges the ongoing efforts in the industry to combat these issues.
The essay makes a significant contribution to the understanding of sustainable architecture, tracing its history, highlighting key players, and emphasizing its contemporary relevance. The inclusion of examples like Falling Waters and specific sustainable practices adds depth to the discussion.
The essay is well-researched and effectively communicates the importance of sustainable architecture. To enhance clarity, consider refining the organization and streamlining certain sections for a smoother flow. The inclusion of a personal reflection adds a nice touch, connecting the writer's perspective to the broader theme. Overall, it's a strong contribution to the Sustainable Architecture Essay Competition.
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
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Material Ecologies and Biotech Architectures: Redefining Sustainability for Planetary Health
Leo Henry Roth
JURY COMMENTS
The essay demonstrates a high level of research depth and knowledge on sustainable architecture, particularly in exploring the evolution of sustainable design paradigms, the emergence of Material Ecology, and the interdisciplinary approaches being employed in various labs and projects. References to specific architects, labs, and projects provide credibility and a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.
The essay is generally well-organized, with a clear progression of ideas. The introduction effectively sets the stage for discussing sustainable architecture, and each subsequent section builds upon the previous one logically. However, there are moments where the transition between ideas could be smoother for improved clarity. Some complex concepts, such as Material Ecology and urban microbiome analysis, are explained well, but the essay could benefit from a more explicit connection between these concepts and the overarching theme of sustainable architecture.
The essay excels in showcasing originality of thought, particularly in its exploration of Material Ecology, the integration of synthetic biology, and the potential of mycelium, algae, and bacteria in architectural design. The inclusion of innovative projects and labs, such as Aguahoja, Synthetic Apiary, and the use of mycelium by Ecovative, adds a layer of uniqueness to the discussion. The essay successfully moves beyond conventional sustainable architecture concepts.
The essay is highly relevant to contemporary issues in architecture, sustainability, and public health. It addresses the impact of architecture on both the environment and human health, including the examination of urban microbiomes, the need for socially equitable urban development, and the intersection of environmental and healthcare issues. The discussion on environmental justice, toxic colonialism, and the historical shifts in building materials connects the discourse to pressing contemporary challenges.
The essay makes a significant contribution to the discourse on sustainable architecture by delving into the evolving paradigms of Material Ecology and regenerative design. It not only highlights the achievements of specific labs and projects but also emphasizes the urgent need for a paradigm shift in architectural thinking. The call for a systems-thinking approach, material ecology, and mutualist architecture adds depth to the overall impact, urging architects to go beyond conventional definitions of sustainability.
This essay provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of sustainable architecture, backed by thorough research and a strong understanding of contemporary issues. While minor improvements in clarity and smoother transitions could enhance the overall structure, the essay excels in its originality, relevance, and potential impact on the field of sustainable architecture.
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
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Beyond green building: integrating social, economic and environmental factors in holistic sustainable architecture
El-Caleb Adeniran
JURY COMMENTS
The essay demonstrates a high level of research depth and knowledge on sustainable architecture. It incorporates references to academic sources, architectural projects, and design principles. The inclusion of a case study (Makoko Floating School) enriches the content and exemplifies real-world applications.
The essay is generally well-written with clear expression and a logical structure. It starts by introducing the concept of sustainable architecture, presents principles and strategies, provides a case study, discusses urban planning, and concludes with future trends. However, there are minor instances where the flow could be smoother for improved readability.
The essay demonstrates originality by emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to sustainable architecture, going beyond traditional environmental considerations. The inclusion of the Makoko Floating School as a case study adds a unique perspective. However, a more in-depth exploration of innovative design concepts and emerging trends could further enhance this aspect.
The essay is highly relevant to contemporary issues, addressing the urgent need for sustainable development in the face of global environmental challenges. It effectively discusses the impact of buildings on carbon emissions, the importance of social equity, and the role of architects in addressing current environmental and societal concerns.
The essay makes a substantial contribution by promoting a holistic approach to sustainable architecture and highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. The inclusion of a real-world case study adds practical relevance. The discussion on technological innovations and future trends further enhances the overall impact.
The essay effectively integrates academic sources to support its arguments, strengthening its credibility.
The Makoko Floating School case study is a powerful example, showcasing both successes and challenges, adding a practical dimension to the theoretical discussion.
Consider providing more in-depth exploration of specific design elements or architectural projects to further illustrate the principles discussed.
A brief conclusion summarizing key points and emphasizing the call to action for architects could enhance the essay's overall impact.
SPECIAL MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
Honorable Mention
claudia kirk
Laurence A Cole
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Sustainability in Architecture
claudia kirk
JURY COMMENTS
The essay demonstrates a high level of research depth and knowledge in sustainable architecture. It effectively discusses concepts like Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD), photovoltaic technology, and cargotecture, providing examples such as the Pearl River Tower, Rain Vortex, and Keetwonen. The inclusion of statistics and references enhances the credibility of the content.
The essay is generally well-written and organized, with a clear structure that progresses logically from discussing energy-efficient glass facades to cargotecture and the Palm Jumeirah. However, some paragraphs are lengthy, and breaking them down for better readability could enhance clarity. Additionally, the introduction and conclusion could be more concise.
The essay presents original thoughts and innovative ideas, especially in its critique of the Pearl River Tower's impact on air quality and the proposal to incorporate photovoltaic energy systems into cargotecture homes. However, the ideas could be further developed and explored to add more depth to the argument.
The essay is highly relevant to contemporary issues in sustainable architecture, addressing challenges such as climate change, social equity, and the ethical considerations of architectural practices. The inclusion of real-world examples and current statistics enhances the relevance of the discussion.
The essay makes a significant contribution to the discourse on sustainable architecture by providing insightful analyses of various architectural projects. It highlights the ethical considerations of architectural decisions and proposes innovative solutions. However, a more concise and focused presentation could further enhance the overall impact.
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Sustainability is Architecture - How history can help shape our futures by catalysing sustainability
Laurence A Cole
JURY COMMENTS
The essay demonstrates a good level of research and knowledge about sustainable architecture, discussing various materials, historical techniques, and contemporary examples. However, more specific references or citations could enhance the credibility of the information presented.
The essay presents a clear argument, but the organization of ideas could be improved for better flow. Some paragraphs are lengthy, and subheadings or a clearer division of sections could enhance readability.
The essay showcases original thinking by discussing not only common sustainable materials but also delving into lesser-known options like hemp and cob. The emphasis on historical techniques and the integration of nature-inspired design strategies demonstrate innovative thinking.
The essay effectively addresses contemporary issues related to sustainability, including the impact of climate change, the need for alternative materials, and the role of architects in responding to global challenges. It also discusses recent sustainable architectural projects.
The essay makes a significant contribution to the understanding of sustainable architecture. It emphasizes the importance of considering a building's entire lifecycle, incorporates historical knowledge, and highlights the role of architects in shaping a sustainable future. However, some sections could be more concise for a stronger impact.
HONOURABLE MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
HONOURABLE MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
Shortlisted Entries
Announcement in Media
Organizers
