The Winners!
A4TC 2023
First Prize Winners
Thanapat Lohaprathan
Thailand
Thanapat Lohaprathan, a graduate of the Design and Architecture program at Chulalongkorn University's INDA in 2023, is currently based in Thailand, working as an architect.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your educational background?
Hi I am Thanapat Lohaprathan. I finished my bachelor degree in Design and Architecture program in 2023 from INDA at Chulalongkorn University. I am currently based in Thailand and working as an architect.
Could you provide an overview of your thesis project? What was the main concept or idea behind it?
My thesis is called Sato spa. The main idea behind it is to combine Sato, the thai traditional rice wine, into spa
What aspects of your thesis project do you believe demonstrate innovation or creativity in architecture?
I think the main creative aspect of this project is the crafted experience behind each room that is not only come from ingredients but also in architecture detail itself
What impact do you hope your thesis project will have on the field of architecture or the built environments ?
I hope it becomes a new experience for people in terms of space and program.
Looking back, what were the most valuable lessons you learned from undertaking your architecture thesis?
While working on the project I become more logical on the design process, learning that the logic behind every detail is what push project to the next level.
What are your aspirations and plans for the future as an architect?
When I started working as an architect, it is a totally different world from what I have studied and there is so much more to learn, so my plan is to keep learning and become good at it.
What advice would you give to students who are currently embarking on their architecture thesis projects?
Architecture thesis is a tough time, I remember I cast my last concrete model at 5 am, and had the worst midterm review among friends but we finally got through it so just keep that in mind and don’t forget to enjoy the moment.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or your vision for the future of architecture?
Lastly I would like to thank you for the award and this opportunity to share my project which is very different from the future AI generation but I hope this can become an inspirational project for anyone out there. Thank you.
Second Prize Winners
Vinay Ekkaldevi
India
Ar. Vinay Rajesh Ekkaldevi, originally from Mumbai, India, graduated from Rachna Sansad’s Academy of Architecture. Prior to pursuing architecture, he completed a Civil Engineering diploma at KJ Somaiya after completing his 10th grade. Currently, he works as an Architect at Pekins Eastman.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your educational background?
Hello, I am Ar. Vinay Rajesh Ekkaldevi, From Mumbai, India. I have graduated from Rachna Sansad’s Academy of Architecture, Before joining architecture I have pursued Civil Engineering diploma from KJ Somaiya after my 10TH Grade. Right now I am working as an Architect with Pekins Eastman.
Could you provide an overview of your thesis project? What was the main concept or idea behind it?
The Thesis project of Factory of Innovation focuses on diverse issues and challenges India is currently facing, be it rapidly increasing population leading to over consumption of goods generating tremendous amount of waste, or on other hand increasing number of struggling young population with talented creative minds (in form of startups) which demand base, resources, support , experimentation etc. Hence developing A Factory of Failures, which hosts to give second life to waste, second life to failed ideas, failed innovations etc
Idea was how can architecture bridge the gap between current situations and challenges coming up in the country by building a platform for it.
What aspects of your thesis project do you believe demonstrate innovation or creativity in architecture?
Thesis uses the concept of Autopoiesis in Architecture wherein the design is based upon certain systems and each system acts as a trigger for other to function and so on forming a wholesome cyclic co dependent arrangement. Outcome/waste/by product of one system acts as a start point for second and outcome/by product of second forms to be start point of third system, not only making it efficient but at the same time brings in diverse issues/challenges that could be solved homogeneously when clubbed together.
Following to which Thesis focuses on connecting threads of growing waste, innovative youths (start ups), Research Data and Public engagement, which eventually form to become 4 systems i.e. Waste system, Innovation system, Data system and Public system.
The study of Events under each system further led to generation of initial conceptual diagrams inform of level inserts, façade inserts and circulations inserts. Hence the strategic configuration of inserts forms to be the base to articulate through these systems forming interesting sectional configurations, zonal planning etc
What impact do you hope your thesis project will have on the field of architecture or the built environment?
Building such intervention would definitely act as key in making the world a better place to live. As it not only tackles the one but multiple scenarios, though being self sustaining in itself. The waste getting used for innovations using the available Data(statistics, active users, target audience) alongwith experimenting/auctioning it on Public, forms to be the core principle impacting at ecological, economical and social level in today’s era.
Building such multiple interventions at different locations focusing on local waste, local industries, local innovations following the principle of previously mentioned systems and inserts can form a major revolution of Today’s era
Looking back, what were the most valuable lessons you learned from undertaking your architecture thesis?
Be clear with What? And Why? During the initial months of research rather focusing how?
Let the answers of What and Why guide the answers for how and where to build it.
Apart from researching and colleting data, keep connecting threads of information and later go wild with imagination. Believe in architecture which has solution for every answer(imagination) of your What, Why and How.
What are your aspirations and plans for the future as an architect?
My aspiration is to focus on various current issues/scenarios going forward, and how can we as architects provide wholesome solutions not only through design but also through understanding the intangible aspects like cultural, social, ecological impact it could generate among the people.
What advice would you give to students who are currently embarking on their architecture thesis projects?
My advice is, Be honest with your research and your study. Have discipline in your work, and just trust the process. The outcome would definitely be great.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or your vision for the future of architecture?
Architecture needs to be headed with lot of passion and dedication. It’s a creative process and takes time to grow, so just believe in it and be focused.
Third Prize Winners
Riya Georgi
India
Riya, a graduate of Brick School of Architecture, continues to learn daily in her professional field. She believes in designing more than just buildings, but also a voice for untold stories. She emphasizes the importance of architecture being accessible to all, not just the privileged few.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your educational background?
Hello, my name is Riya.
I did my Bachelor of Architecture at Brick School of Architecture.
Today, working in the professional field, I would say I’m still learning every day. Learning how to design not just buildings, but a voice for stories that need to be heard. How good architecture needs to be for not just those who can afford it but for everyone.
Could you provide an overview of your thesis project? What was the main concept or idea behind it?
Since 2018 tidal flooding has become a silent disaster that’s been eating into the Vypin communities and their livelihood,
“A disaster that only affects the poor vulnerable section of society, and no one is willing to pause or stop their life for a disaster they can just run away from. “
-Sreeja, Research Director at Equinoct
The heart of my thesis lies wholly with fishermen communities in Vypin. So, for once I had decided to be silent and to listen, to listen to the stories of many that went unheard, and that became my key inspiration.
These stories guided me to find answers for the community.
What aspects of your thesis project do you believe demonstrate innovation or creativity in architecture?
My thesis particularly was a challenge, as I was designing for a community that almost completely felt they had no answer or way to change or to improve the quality of their life, partly because of their economic background but also authorities and the general public turning a blind eye to problems faced by them.
And so, I wanted to build with them a new way of life, where step by step starting with ecology then economy and finally living, they need to be completely independent and self-sufficient at any instance in the future.
What impact do you hope your thesis project will have on the field of architecture or the built environment?
To think and design without any hidden motives, to design humanly. Design with care. Create not just buildings but spaces that nurture kindness and the solidarity of communal living.
Looking back, what were the most valuable lessons you learned from undertaking your architecture thesis?
My thesis was the first step to a new realisation for myself that architecture of the future needs to be selfless.
What are your aspirations and plans for the future as an architect?
Many architects that practise, see architecture as art, me being one of them. I would say initially, this was one of the reasons I chose to be an architect.
But all forms of creative art have the power to inspire and move people. And so, now I am learning how my art can give back to the context, the community.
What advice would you give to students who are currently embarking on their architecture thesis projects?
Take a step back, ask yourself, why am I designing? For whom am I designing?
Take it as an opportunity to make change, create impact. Stay true to your design intentions and always, always have fun doing it.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or your vision for the future of architecture?
Each building we as architects give form to, forms the cities and communities we live in tomorrow. As designers, our buildings need to look less like ‘money and profit’ or like ‘regulations and codes’. Buildings should be the true reflection of the community. At the end of the day, we are all humans. Design from that perspective: for the humans of the world.
Special mention
Sijo Monachan
India
Ar. Sijo Monachan, an architect dedicated to inclusive design, founded SXA Design Studio to challenge the status quo. With a vision of "design for all," he aims to address pressing social issues through innovative architectural solutions. Inspired by the beauty of structures and their potential to impact lives, Sijo pursued his passion for architecture at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. His thesis project focused on revitalizing Vathuruthy, a marginalized community in Kerala, India, by reimagining it as a vibrant hub of opportunity and inclusion. Through collaborative efforts and innovative design solutions, Sijo and his team breathed new life into Vathuruthy while preserving its cultural heritage.
Honorable mention
Mansib Rahman
Katarzyna Jamiol
Ishmam Faiyaz Chowdhury
Neil Bang
Mansib Rahman
Bangladesh
Katarzyna Jamiol
Poland
Katarzyna Jamiol - graduate of Architecture (Masters’ Degree, September 2023) and student of Landscape Architecture (Bachelor Degree) at Cracow University of Technology (CUT). Worked as an Assistant Architect. Interested in research focused on the wide range of possibilities that architecture and landscape architecture together can bring to make cities more useful to people also in the face of climate crisis.
Ishmam Faiyaz Chowdhury
Bangladesh
Ishmam Faiyaz Chowdhury, a native of Dhaka, Bangladesh, graduated with a BArch degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2023. Currently employed as an architect in Dhaka, Ishmam has participated in numerous local and international architectural design competitions, earning several accolades. With a passion for innovative architectural solutions, Ishmam also enjoys creating artistic architectural visualizations. Beyond architecture, Ishmam's interests include music, photography, and traveling.
Neil Bang
India
Dishan Rahman
Bangladesh
Dishan Rahman, a recent graduate from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), hails from Bangladesh. Her thesis, titled “SafEscape: Design of a Child-Friendly Space in a Transit Area to Augment Social Inclusion of the Street Children of Dhaka City,” aims to create a platform bridging the gap between street children and mainstream society. SafEscape is a playful Urbanscape designed to engage, showcase, and encourage the talents of these children, helping them integrate into society. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Archiol team for recognizing her work.
