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INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION

SONIC BLUEPRINTS - AURAL ARCHITECTURE

RESULTS!

The Winners!

SONIC BLUEPRINTS - AURAL ARCHITECTURE

Peiting Wu

Taiwan

Wiktoria Fijałkowska

Poland

Chenhao Feng & Haoning Zhao

Canada

First Prize Winners

Peiting Wu

Taiwan

Second Prize Winners

Wiktoria Fijałkowska

Poland

Wiktoria Fijałkowska is a second-year architecture student at the University of Arts in Poznań, Poland.

Introduction

My name is Wiktoria Fijałkowska. I live in Poland. I am a second year student of bachelor degree in architecture at University of Arts in Poznań.
I’ve decided to participate in this competition because of its out of the box character. I wanted to ameliorate my skills in music interpretation and abstract spaces creation.

Design concept

Inner world expression is an waterside installation located at Lake Malta in Poznań in Poland. I wanted to create a space that is available for everyone, where you can spend time outside in nature with friends and family or all alone.

Aural Architecture Significance

The acoustic properties of a space strongly influence the psychophysical state of its user. The challenge was to create an environment that has calming and relaxing features in contrast to the bustling city life. Research from National Library of Medicine has stated that sounds of water have the strongest positive effect on health, among other natural sounds. That’s what determined the location of the installation. Also, by manipulating space shape through different parts of the path I could isolate the perceivers from the ambience sound in enclosed spaces and expose them to it in the opened ones. Therefore, the space was continuously stimulating to the nervous system so that the user wouldn’t get bored and would stay in contact with their senses.

Sustainability Integration

Considering sustainable design, I chose the location that was least invasive to the existing lake plants that are also a habitat for different kinds of birds and other animals. Secondly, the installation is made from durable materials that created a simple construction which is going to prevent constant repairs and material waste.

Design Evolution

From all provided pieces I chose „The Introvert” by Michael Kobrin. Subsequently, I analysed the emotions that I felt during the listening and tried to imagine how would a space reflect each one. Also, I noted that the sequence of the motives is really important, because due to that they could be better expressed in space which led to the linear character of the installation. Thirdly, I chose the location that best fitted the character of the music piece and the competition theme. Next, I began analysing the properties of “The Introvert” what determined the path length of each emotion. Lastly, I adjusted the path to the properties in the environment that could better highlight the expression of each part.

Community and environmental impact

I intended to create the space that is available for everyone, regardless of the way you want to explore it. By that I mean that not only you can walk there or ride a bike, the path is suitable for people moving around with wheelchairs. This played a crucial role in developing the concept since I considered the accessibility requirements. Additionally I wanted the perceiver to engage as many senses as possible. The installation is stimulating to sight and hearing because of its structure. Visitor may engage touch by contact with water – safely accessible from some parts of the path.

Guidance for Aspiring Designers

My advice to the designers passionate about aural architecture is to think about user experience to create new standards in terms of space comfort, since it’s beneficial for health. If people can take something valuable with them after interacting with your work that’s what is most important.

Reflections on Winning

After the results were announced I felt appreciated. It meant a lot to me since it was my first solitary competition I took part in. I highly recommend expanding your knowledge about aural design since it helps you perceive space in different directions and makes you a better architect.

Third Prize Winners

Chenhao Feng & Haoning Zhao

Canada

Special mention

Hwang Jiyoung

South Korea

Honorable mention

Riya Antony & Harini Ramachandran

Junhee Park, Seokjun Lee, Soohyeok Lee & Seongjin Lee

Ganga Devi G, Brini Grace Elizabeth & Mehthab K N

Ji Hwan Park & Oh jeong han

Aniruddha Lokhande

Riya Antony & Harini Ramachandran

India

Junhee Park, Seokjun Lee, Soohyeok Lee & Seongjin Lee

South Korea

Ganga Devi G, Brini Grace Elizabeth & Mehthab K N

India

Ganga Devi G
Ganga Devi G is a third-year architecture student based in Kerala, India. She is deeply passionate about exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of design.

Brini Grace Elizabeth
Brini Grace Elizabeth is an architecture student from India who believes that architecture is a language influencing both individuals and designers.

Mehthab K N is a third-year architecture student at SCMS School of Architecture in Kerala, India. Her education has provided a strong foundation in architectural design, theory, and practical application. She has excelled in both individual and collaborative projects, consistently delivering innovative and sustainable design solutions.

Ji Hwan Park & Oh jeong han

South Korea

Ji Hwan Park, a 25-year-old from South Korea, majored in Space Design at Sangmyung University.

Jeong Han Oh, a 24-year-old, is currently pursuing a major in Space Design at Sangmyung University in South Korea.

Aniruddha Lokhande

India

Aniruddha Lokhande is in his final year of architecture at Acharya Institute, Bangalore, with a passion for integrating India's cultural heritage into contemporary design. His work focuses on creating functional spaces that reflect India's diverse cultural tapestry.

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