The Winners!
THE RUINS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
First Prize Winners
Charlotte Collins
Germany
Second Prize Winners
Megan Ortinau
Third Prize Winners
Zindagi M Mavani
United States
Hi, my name is Zindagi Mavani and I received my master's in architecture degree from Illinois institute of technology. Currently I work in an Architectural Design firm in Chicago. I am mainly interested in understanding the relationship between architecture and neuroscience which can ultimately help us in designing the spaces which are more accurate and appropriate to the human needs and help in reducing the mental health problems.
What is your design philosophy?
My design philosophy is what I call "Layering". Which basically means to take into consideration not only the current aspects of the site and its surrounding but to open up the different unknown layers of its history, vast culture and the traditions that are valuable to the people of that particular place. To understand the complexities of each layer and give them the space in which they do not feel alienated but rather makes their connection stronger for the future generations.
Can you briefly explain your understanding of the topic and the source of ideas?
The ruins for me are like an escape from the present which connects oneself with the past lives of the people and the space that they used to live or work or study in. Each and every minor function had a space for it and the layout of each space had deep meaning behind it. It is also the quality of artwork that we see even today on the walls of these spaces that make them timeless and valuable. The artwork mainly depicts the scriptures and the knowledge of the people of that particular era in the field of science and technology which we practice today.
When and how were you first introduced to architecture?
From a very tender age I was always interested in creating or building spaces from any form of object or material I found around me. It was simply like making a castle from the soap bars and then it went on to making my own designs with Legos. As I grew older I started noticing not only the buildings and monuments around me but also the society. Noticing how important a home is for everyone and not everyone has one. And with passage of time I started noticing the environment and how we have been exploiting it and how and who can make at least some difference to protect nature. So this whole journey from my childhood till my teenage years were like the driving points for me.
What does architecture mean to you?
Architecture is a way of living. It is a sense of safety, security and having an identity of oneself. Architecture has the ability to heal and strengthen and at the same time make one weak and vulnerable. It is all about people's perception towards each space and place and how they react to it. Architecture for society is a hope to save the environment by reducing carbon emissions and making our earth a better place for the future generations to come.
Special mention
Honorable mention
Hanwen Zhang & Cai Yang
Yang Ruan
Vignesh Ramachandram & Lavanya A
Hanwen Zhang & Cai Yang
Yang Ruan
Vignesh Ramachandram & Lavanya A
