The Winners!
HOME 2123
First Prize Winners
Tania Powers & Araya Gonzalez
Haiti
Tania Powers, a first-generation Haitian American, and Araya Gonzalez Arraez, from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, are graduate students pursuing their Masters in Architecture at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. They share a passion for design and the creative process. Their love for architecture stems from its ability to tell stories and create spaces for people to inhabit and interact with. The more they learn about design history, the deeper their love for the built environment becomes. For them, architecture is more than a profession; it's a blend of design, engineering, and art that shapes society both literally and figuratively. Embracing architecture means embracing multidisciplinary growth and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Please introduce yourself briefly and provide some insights into your background in design.
My name is Tania Powers and I’m a first generation Haitian American and my name is Araya Gonzalez Arraez, I’m from Barquisimeto, Venezuela. We’re both graduate students completing our Masters in Architecture at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. We’ve always shared a deep love for design and the process of creating. Being able to build space that not only tells a story, but also one that people can inhabit and interact with has been beyond satisfying. The more we learn about the history of design the more we fall in love with the built environment. Architecture is a profession that literally and figuratively shapes society through space. It combines our love of design, engineering, and art. Architecture is an all encompassing practice that forces you to become a multidisciplinary and step outside your comfort zone in order to grow.
Could you give us an overview of your vision for Home 2123 and the key concepts behind your design?
Building upon the innovative ethos of the 1970s Japanese architects, we sought to redefine traditional architectural paradigms by prioritizing not only sensory perception but also sustainability. Through thoughtful design choice and material selection, we ensured that the house embodied sustainability principles, minimizing its environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Adaptability was a key tenet of our design philosophy, allowing the house to evolve with changing needs and lifestyles. The house utilizes built meant to facilitate easy modification and expansion, enabling the dwelling to adapt to diverse environmental conditions and accommodate future challenges. Addressing global concerns such as overpopulation and rising sea levels, the concept of Home 2123 extended beyond individual dwellings to encompass alternative habitats, such as floating or amphibious structures, offering a sustainable solution to urban density and environmental threats. Through this holistic approach, the Cymatic Sanctum represents a visionary blueprint for the future of residential architecture, where sustainability, adaptability, and innovation converge to create a resilient and harmonious living environment.
Home 2123 aims to explore the future of residential architecture. How did you incorporate futuristic elements, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability into your design?
In our pursuit to integrate cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into the design of our home we made an effort to research the latest emerging studies pertaining to new building materials and technologies. The exploration of biological building materials, particularly mycelium, the root structure of fungi, shows great potential for sustainable construction. Researchers are actively investigating the use of mycelium as a building material due to its remarkable properties like lightweight, high strength, and biodegradability. Additionally, the study of cymatics, the visualisation of sound, has offered fascinating insights into how sound materialises through matter. Recent studies have shown that specific sound frequencies can influence the growth patterns and the structural integrity of mycelium. These two emerging studies open up new possibilities for sound to be used as a tool for enhancing the properties of biological building materials. By integrating these research findings into the design of our home we aim to not only push the boundaries of architectural innovation but also contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between built environments and nature.
In envisioning Home 2123, what role do advanced technologies play in enhancing the living experience? How did you integrate these technologies into your design?
The fusion of advanced sound capture systems and the study of cymatics yields a dynamic interaction between the auditory environment and the physical structure. As ambient sound frequencies are captured and translated into patterns, the façade of the house becomes a living canvas, responding in real-time to its evolving auditory landscape. This dynamic façade not only serves as a visual spectacle but also functions practically, adjusting to optimize natural light through a roofing membrane designed to expand and contract alongside daylight variations. Extensive research into the effects of sound frequency on mycelium growth in the future will allow for the creation of structural elements that dynamically evolve over time, shaping themselves to meet the constant ever changing needs of the user. These mycelium-based components not only serve structural purposes but also contribute to the aesthetic and functional aspects of the interior, seamlessly blending form and function. At night, the innovative use of bioluminescent fibers embedded within the structural material emit a soft glow, eliminating the need for additional lighting and enhancing the sensory experience of the home. In this house technology, sustainability, and adaptability converge to create a harmonious and symbiotic relationship between the built environment and its inhabitants.
Sustainability is a crucial aspect of future home design. How did you ensure that your design aligns with eco-friendly principles and addresses environmental concerns?
Mycelium offers a wealth of properties conducive to sustainable construction. Beyond structural elements, we envision a future where mycelium permeates every aspect of the home, from walls to furnishings, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem within its walls. By harnessing the natural growth capabilities of fungi, we foresee a scenario where various food crops can be cultivated directly within the walls of the house, utilizing compost used to create the mycelium structure as a nutrient-rich substrate. This approach not only reduces dependence on external food sources but also minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. Moreover, mycelium's adaptability allows for easy modification and repurposing of the home's structure over time, ensuring resilience in the face of changing needs and environmental challenges.
Home designs must adapt to changing needs and lifestyles. How did you incorporate flexibility and adaptability into your design to accommodate future changes?
At the heart of this project lies the innovative use of mycelium-based materials, renowned for their exceptional capacity to adapt and mold in response to environmental shifts. These materials not only provide a robust structural integrity but also serve as a living framework that dynamically responds to the evolving needs of its users. Whether it's the need for adjusting room layouts to accommodate changing family dynamics, expanding living spaces to address overpopulation concerns, or incorporating new functionalities to enhance comfort and convenience, the mycelium components of the house offer unparalleled flexibility to adapt to diverse scenarios. Our home anticipates and addresses environmental challenges such as sea level rise with ingenious design solutions. The buoyant growth platform enables the home to gracefully navigate potential floodwaters, ensuring the safety and security of its occupants in the face of changing coastal landscapes. As overpopulation and sea level rise continue to exert pressure on living spaces, our house offers a versatile and scalable architecture that can seamlessly grow and evolve alongside its inhabitants.
The concept of home extends beyond individual dwellings to encompass communities. How does your design foster community interaction and well-being?
The generative properties of the house facilitate the creation of community-based environments deeply intertwined with their exterior surroundings. With a form that's fluid and adaptable, the house can dynamically respond to the community's housing needs, offering diverse options that accommodate various family sizes and lifestyles, thus promoting inclusivity. Its fluid and at times transparent membrane fosters a seamless connection to nature through panoramic views and ample natural light. By embracing fluidity, transparency, and connectivity, the Sanctum becomes a vibrant nexus where residents can forge meaningful connections with each other and their environment.
As we progress into the 22nd century, how do you envision the evolution of residential architecture? What role does Home 2123 play in shaping this future?
Moving away from traditional suburban models, the future landscape of residential design will favor mixed-use communities that blend living, working, and recreational spaces, encouraging walkability and social interaction. Embracing modular building techniques, these future homes will offer enhanced flexibility and efficiency, allowing for rapid adaptation to changing needs and technological advancements. A significant pivot towards bio matter-based materials will see the rise of eco-friendly constructions that reduce environmental impact while offering new aesthetic possibilities. Central to this architectural evolution is climate resilience; homes will be designed to be self-reliant and energy-efficient, incorporating renewable energy sources and sustainable water management systems to withstand the escalating challenges posed by climate change. Home2123 is not just a concept for the future of residential architecture; it's a fertile ground where the seeds of innovation, sustainability, and community-centric design are being sown. By reimagining the essence of home and community, it offers a canvas for architects of the future to explore the boundaries of what residential spaces could be.
Second Prize Winners
Yuanjie Kong, Jieruo Zhang, Ruijie Yan & Kevin Cristopher He Lan
China
Third Prize Winners
Veronica Dominguez & Marcson Tanis
U.S.
Veronica Dominguez and Marcson Tanis are fourth-year architecture students pursuing a Master’s degree at FIU. Their architectural journey, which began in 2020, has been predominantly online due to the circumstances. Despite this, their shared passion for spatial design and construction has kept them motivated. Over the years, they have developed their skills in various aspects of design and designing programs, from conceptualizing intricate spatial designs to exploring sustainable architectural solutions. Working collaboratively, they have tackled complex design challenges, leveraging their individual strengths and perspectives to enrich their projects. As they approach the end of their studies, they look forward to applying their knowledge and experience to real-world architectural endeavors.
Introduction: Introduce yourself briefly and provide some insights into your background in design
We are Veronica Dominguez and Marcson Tanis, a team of 4th-year architecture students pursuing a Master’s degree at FIU. Our journey in architecture began in 2020, navigating what would have been a hands-on degree, through a screen for 2 years. Our shared interest in spatial design and construction kept us motivated, and over the years, we’ve honed our skills in various aspects of design and designing programs. From conceptualizing intricate spatial designs to exploring sustainable architectural solutions, we’ve thrown ourselves into the diverse fields of architectural practice. Collaborating as a pair has been an invaluable part of our academic journey. Together we’ve tackled complex design challenges, leveraging our individual strengths and perspectives to enrich our project. As we navigate through our final years of studies, we’re excited to apply our knowledge and experience to real-world architectural endeavors.
Could you give us an overview of your vision for Home 2123 and the key concepts behind your design?
Our design is a holistic approach to sustainable living, seamlessly integrating organic architecture with the surrounding natural environment. At the heart of our vision is the concept of harmonious coexistence with nature. We envisioned TerraWave as a sanctuary where inhabitants can reconnect with the earth and allow you to fully take in the beauty of their surroundings. Our design philosophy centers on preserving and enhancing the natural landscape, ensuring that the home complements and respects the terrain on which it stands. Another key concept was adaptation, the idea was to integrate the architecture with the terrain, seamlessly connecting the built and natural environment.
Home 2123 aims to explore the future of residential architecture. How did you incorporate futuristic elements, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability into your design?
TerraWave begins as a pre-programmed capsule, set up to grow through the use of advanced artificial wood technology. As it grows it follows the contours of the desired site. Similar to a tree, the home is rooted to the terrain, branches up, and expands from the organic tubing within.
In envisioning Home 2123, what role do advanced technologies play in enhancing the living experience? How did you integrate these technologies into your design?
In envisioning Home 2123, advanced technologies play a significant role in enhancing the living experience by integrating them into the design of the TerraWave structure. The advanced lab-grown wood in the TerraWave allows it to grow and adapt to the contours of the site, allowing for seamless integration with the landscape. Once fully grown, TerraWave features organic tubes that serve multiple functions, including structural support, water storage, and food production. These tubes are a futuristic and sustainable approach to design, utilizing advanced technologies to provide essential elements for living while minimizing environmental impact. Overall, the integration of advanced technologies in the design of Home 2123 not only enhances the living experience but also promotes environmental sustainability.
Sustainability is a crucial aspect of future home design. How did you ensure that your design aligns with eco-friendly principles and addresses environmental concerns?
For the creation of TerraWave, sustainability was a major guiding factor in the design of our project. There were many key components used to address eco-friendly principles and environmental concerns. The form of the structure itself was the biggest factor, as our goal was to harmonize with the landscape and have a non-destructive relationship with the terrain. Within the structure the system of tubing harvests rainwater and recycles water for various uses within the home, reducing the demand for fresh water to the home. The exterior vegetation purifies the air, provides insulation, and promotes biodiversity. Finally, the use of advanced engineered wood reduces the reliance on traditional building material which often has a high environmental impact.
Home designs must adapt to changing needs and lifestyles. How did you incorporate flexibility and adaptability into your design to accommodate future changes?
Our home has a natural lifecycle, it’s meant to eventually decay and decompose back into the Earth, minimizing the effects of the built environment on the natural environment. From there, new capsules can be planted in new locations creating a structure specifically catered to any desired landscape.
The concept of home extends beyond individual dwellings to encompass communities. How does your design foster community interaction and well-being?
We've designed spaces that encourage people to come together, share experiences, and support each other's well-being. From the fertile grounds surrounding the house to the potential food that could grow from its walls, every aspect of the TerraWave project is designed to support and sustain the community. The pre-programmed capsule allows for multiple residents to plant their homes to create and grow their communities.
As we progress into the 22nd century, how do you envision the evolution of residential architecture? What role does Home 2123 play in shaping this future?
We believe that in the 22nd century, residential architecture should be one with nature and work alongside it. Home 2123 challenges us to be mindful of the environment and to think of new innovative ways to create a home that is eco-friendly while also incorporating and imagining potential technological advancements that are to come.
Special mention
Zainab Riyaz & Shreya Kankaria
India
Zainab is a thoughtful and imaginative designer who approaches her projects with a gentle touch of creativity. She finds inspiration in the simple things, often drawing from everyday life to infuse her designs with warmth and familiarity. With a deep appreciation for the power of architecture to shape experiences, Zainab strives to create spaces that feel like home, where people can connect and find comfort.
Shreya is a dedicated architect who finds joy in crafting spaces that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics. With a meticulous eye for detail, she's always striving to create designs that not only look good but also serve their purpose effectively. Her passion for architecture fuels her creativity, and she's constantly exploring new ideas and techniques to enhance her work. Shreya's love for design extends beyond her professional life, as she often finds herself sketching new concepts in her free time, inspired by the world around her.
Honorable mention
Antonio Crosta
Yeredny Matos & Hillary Ferrer
Cemre Su Aydoğan
Hu Jiaming & Qi Mingfeng
Antonio Crosta
Italy
Antonio Crosta, a 21-year-old from Naples, is currently in his third year of the architecture program at Federico II di Napoli. He gained practical experience through an internship at Mass Lab in Porto and furthered his studies with a month-long stay in London. Alongside his internship, he worked as an architecture tour guide for Open House in Naples and as an assistant social media manager at Upya. His interests include architecture essays, arts, sculpture, and cinema, and he maintains an active lifestyle through regular gym sessions. Antonio plans to complete his studies in another European city and then return to Naples to contribute to the enhancement of his city.
Yeredny Matos & Hillary Ferrer
Cuba
Yeredny Matos is a fourth-year college student at Florida International University, currently pursuing a master's degree in architecture. She is passionate about integrating design and technology, whether organic or structural, into his projects. Continuously seeking to expand his knowledge and skills, he is always eager to learn something new.
Hillary Ferrer, originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela, is a fourth-year student at Florida International University, pursuing a master's degree in architecture. With a fervent passion for biomimicry, she meticulously combines elements of nature with architectural designs to create sustainable and harmonious spaces.
Cemre Su Aydoğan
Turkey
Hu Jiaming & Qi Mingfeng
China
