In Copenhagen, an international jury selected 10 inspiring projects that became winners of the regional stage of the VELUX 2016 International Prize Competition. Among them was the work of a student from Russia.
The award enables architecture students to demonstrate their unique approach to the use of daylight in contemporary architecture. This year, almost 5,000 participants, comprising 2,780 teams from 97 countries, submitted more than 600 projects to the judgment of a team of experts. The project of Anna Andronova from Kazan (Kazan State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering) was recognized as the best in the region of Eastern Europe and the Middle East in the "Daylight Study" nomination.
The winner's work is called "Inextinguishable Light" and is a concept of a shopping center, consisting of several separate towers, which uses only natural light sources. “While sunlight is by far the strongest light source, the concept of natural light is much broader. In this project, alternative natural sources of light produced by various carriers are introduced. Glowing bacteria, fish and plants form a complex mosaic, not just mimicking for survival, but creating an entire eco-system based on the lighting system in the building,”says the project description.
“We wanted to encourage students to experiment creatively with any form of natural light and are once again pleasantly surprised by how creative the contestants are in completing the assignments. They are looking for new, never-before-seen possibilities of daylight with genuine curiosity, not afraid of experimentation and innovation,”says Per Arnold Andersen, VELUX Group.
The single theme of the VELUX 2016 International Prize is "The Light of Tomorrow". The award aims to support future architects to rethink the use of sunlight and natural light as the primary sources of energy and light in all types of buildings to ensure the health and well-being of the people who live and work in them.
Projects were evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Working with natural light sources as a prerequisite for architecture.
- What research and documents were used in the project.
- How the project addresses current and future needs.
- Having bold experimentation and innovation.
- Graphic presentation of the project.
The winners included:
In the category "Natural lighting in buildings":
- Africa: Shelter of Light Project, Fatai Osundiji, Emmanuel Oyoloto.
- North and South America: project “" NO PARKING… LET THERE BE LIGHT! Re imagining a parking building in the historic district of the city "Enso Piero Vergara Waxia.
- Asia and Oceania: Light Spread Project, Kwang Hung Lee, Hyuk Sung Kwon, Yoo Min Park.
- Eastern Europe and the Middle East: The Window Scattering Light Project, Camille Glovacki, Marta Sowinska, Lukasz Gaska.
- Western Europe: Project “Kopngagen Ceremonial Hall”, Eskild Pedersen.
In the nomination "Daylight Study":
- Africa: Project “Light and Shadow”, Ahmed Zorgui, Ala EddinNoumi.
- North and South America: Automated Learning for the Blind Project, Amir Nezamdust, Alain Mahik, Malak Modaresnejad.
- Asia and Oceania: Project “Light for the Blind”, Jiaven Lee, Chen Lu Wang, Ji Bei Yang, Gui Qiang Yao, Lushan Yao.
- Eastern Europe and the Middle East: Project “Everlasting Light”, Anna Andronova.
- Western Europe: The Hammershøi Grammar Project, Nicholas Shurey.
All the winners of the regional stage demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of daylight in architecture and the creation of spaces. In the presented projects, they applied the latest engineering solutions for natural lighting in an urban environment, showing a responsible and respectful attitude towards nature and society. The works take into account many aspects - from philosophical content to the project's accessibility for blind people.
The winners of the Prize will be announced at the World Architecture Festival in Berlin in November, and their work will be published in the November issue of Architectural Review.
“This warm response from people around the world is incredibly motivating and energizing. The theme of natural light in architecture is relevant regardless of the point on the map, and we hope that our Prize will inspire participants to creative discoveries and global projects,”says Per Arnold Andersen, VELUX Group.
