The Winners!
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE
First Prize Winners
Roshni Gera, Darsan Babu & Arun Kumar
India
Roshni Gera is an architect and Computational Designer. Having completed the Master of Architecture program from the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London.
Darsan B, an architect, dreamer and a storyteller who loves to take on challenges and reform perspectives on some days, but sit by the mountain and quote words of Howard Roark on others.Â
Arun Kumar, 26 is an experienced architect based out of Bangalore, India. With a strong passion to innovate and tell unheard, unseen and unimagined stories, he uses his design skills coupled with digital tools to constantly innovate and tell a tale.
What is your design philosophy?
Roshni Gera
My design philosophy lies in the intersection of research, innovation and creating interventions which are cutting edge whilst also having a positive impact on its users, the society and the world as a whole.
Arun Kumar
My design philosophy revolves around the amalgamation of sustainability, minimalism and futuristic design. I find joy in adopting different textures and materials in my design.
What was your feeling when the winners were announced?
Roshni Gera
I was very excited to know that we were announced winners of this competition and was grateful that our team’s efforts were recognized.
Arun Kumar
Ecstatic. It’s a great feeling to win in the subject I am most passionate about.
Can you briefly explain your essay writing process, the source of ideas and, your understanding of the topic?
Roshni Gera
The inspiration of the idea came from my visit to Varanasi earlier this year. I was amazed at the harmonious existence of not just architectural elements from two different eras but also the coexistence of conflicting Cultures. We then, as a team did further research on this topic and compiled work that spoke beyond the history and found meaning and relevance even in the current day scenario.
Arun Kumar
Living in a secular country like ours and being an architect, I have always had an inquisitive eye towards our architectural history, and how kings played their roles in shaping it. An apparent flipside was always evident! Our topic is one of those cases which required attention. We conducted thorough research, sought out professionals who worked around the same, and started framing the piece.
What measures will you take/ taking to introduce your understanding of the essay to the architecture practice?
Roshni Gera
Architecture, building techniques and the culture of design was far more innovative and beyond comprehension at its inception. As illustrated through our essay, we would like to bring to light how we as designers today, have much to learn from the subject. Not only can we be inspired by the design techniques and principles adopted back then but also learn from the way conflicts in cultures, beliefs and styles were overcome in order to coexist in harmony.
Arun Kumar
After working on the essay for Archiol’s - History of Architecture competition we were able to identify some major gaps in the design of the subject area. Not only were there ergonomic ways but also scope for environmental-friendly and sustainable design implementations. It would be a humbling experience to work on the design and contribute my part to the society.
Second Prize Winners
Mahmoud Mohammed Rabia Hashim Alkhateeb
Saudi Arabia
Mahmoud, 23 years old, Syrian citizen, and lives in Saudi Arabia - Madinah, studies architecture engineering since 2018. Seeking inspiration in ancient architectural history, and analysis. this deep curiosity is what drove me to learn a lot about architecture, from the basement until its existence.
Third Prize Winners
Disha Bodra
India
I am a second-year architecture student set out to establish myself in the professional field of architecture. As advised by my mentors to begin early in this arena in order to unravel my creativity, I constantly search for opportunities to hone my skills.
Entering architectural design competitions is a means to uncover and evolve one's philosophy and expertise. They test a person’s capability to express ideas both visually and verbally. I perceive competitions as a medium to not only apply my knowledge but also building my knowledge further along the way.
I aspire to become an insightful architect bringing about positive changes in the nation as architecture is of the people, for the people and by the people.
Special mention
Honorable mention
Zoe Renwick
Smriti Sharma & Rashi Karkoon
Zoe Renwick
Smriti Sharma & Rashi Karkoon
