Competition brief
Design Competition
Utopia 2023
Key Dates
*All times are in UTC
Prizes
Theme
First Place Winner Of AI Architecture Competition 2022 Organized By Arch HIve And Archi Hacks. Associate Member At Institute Of Architects Bangladesh. I'm a graduate architect. I love to work on parametric architectural ideas. It has been always my dream to have some great skills in computational architecture and get higher studies in this field and build my career in parametric-style architecture
Oliver Thomas is a British architect, leading expert in design technology, and archi-preneur, with extensive experience working on projects at the intersection of design, technology, and fabrication around the world. Oliver has worked in London, Hong Kong, and New York for renowned firms such as Aedas, Front Inc, and BIG. He is currently the Design Technology Manager at BIG and Co-founder of Archi-Tech Network. He has been involved in a range of projects that utilizes technology such as BIM, Computation and Immersive methodologies from early concept design through to fabrication.
Guillaume is an architect and engineer working at 180 Degrees, a design-build firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. He is originally from France where he obtained his Master's degree in Architecture and his Engineering degree. He started his career at Knippers Helbig, a structural and facade engineering firm where he helped design complex free-form structures and learned how to use computation to generate geometries and simulate structural behaviors. He merged his love for science and design at Bjarke Ingels Group where he worked as a project lead and a computational designer. He helped identify and incorporate computational tools into the design process, from the early exploration to solving complex constrained design challenges. He is currently incorporating his knowledge in workflows that spans from sketches to construction and fabrication.
Will Garner worked as a BIM Consultant and Architectural Assistant at Frank Reynolds Architects Ltd for over two years. He has also worked as an Architectural Technologist at the same firm for over a year. Before joining Frank Reynolds Architects, Will served as a Civil Engineer Apprentice at BAM Nuttall Ltd for two years. Will received his education from Loughborough University, where he earned a Master of Architecture degree, a Bachelor of Architecture degree with First-Class Honours, and a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Engineering and Design Management.
He is a technology-driven designer and researcher focused on simulation-based design and generative tectonics. He hold a Master of Architectural from the University of Calgary and Master of Architecture & Urbanism from Architectural Association, Design Research Lab. As a designer, his approach is interdisciplinary to interconnect architecture to science, art and industrial design. He have worked internationally as a designer collaborated with pioneer design firms in Canada and the UK on broad range of projects contributing to mid-rise and high-rise mixed-use residential, office, hotels and institutional projects at various scales and design and management of interior projects. He also collaborates with firms as a design consultant, providing solutions for complex morphology and optimized geometrical topology and tectonics using advanced platforms and computational technology in design to provide the user-oriented design.
Yushang Zhang is an accomplished architect with over 11 years of experience in the field. He is currently working at OMA, where he has been since March 2012. Prior to that, Yushang completed an internship at MAD Architects in 2007, where he gained valuable insights into the industry. Yushang obtained his Master of Science in Architecture from Delft University of Technology, and has been a registered architect in the Netherlands since then.
Riccardo Piazzai is an architect and BIM expert, Co-founder of NORDFY, a Process-driven interdisciplinary Creative Agency specializing in AI, BIM, and Design. NORDFY provides educational training and advisory services for SMEs and creative individuals, at the intersection of disruptive technologies and Scandinavian design principles. With a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and design development, he has experience in design, coordination and management. He is adept at utilizing the latest digital technologies to optimize sustainability impact. He has been working in the computational design and BIM fields since 2017, with a particular focus on data-driven design workflows within a strategic framework. Throughout his career, Riccardo has worked in leading firms in Italy, Japan, and Denmark, leveraging his expertise through the use of cutting-edge tools. He has a strong understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks in applied creative/design processes and has developed innovative solutions incorporating AI to optimize and streamline design workflows. He is currently enrolled in a second-level Master’s program in Digital Twin and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on digital technologies and processes in the built environment, at the University of Rome, La Sapienza. With a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and design development, he has experience in design, coordination and management. He is adept at utilizing the latest digital technologies to optimize sustainability impact. He has been working in the computational design and BIM fields since 2017, with a particular focus on data-driven design workflows within a strategic framework. Riccardo is currently developing the BIM digital strategy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, bridging the gap between digital technologies and design practice. Throughout his career, Riccardo has worked in leading firms in Italy, Japan, and Denmark, leveraging his expertise through the use of cutting-edge tools. He has a strong understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks in applied creative/design processes and has developed innovative solutions incorporating AI to optimize and streamline design workflows. He is currently enrolled in a second-level Master’s program in Digital Twin and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on digital technologies and processes in the built environment, at the University of Rome, La Sapienza.
Winners
1st Place
Rockscapes: Carved Communities for Utopian Living
Rockscapes: Carved Communities for Utopian Living is an architectural project that envisions a collective living utopia, where people unite without any consideration of their race, religion, or gender. The project proposes the innovative use of rocks as a sustainable building material, thereby avoiding land invasion and promoting a harmonious relationship with the environment. By harnessing the potential of caves and carving structures from rocks, Rockscapes creates a diverse range of living spaces that adapt to different climatic conditions. The project draws inspiration from the early stages of human civilization, specifically the primal instinct to seek shelter in caves. By leveraging the inherent advantages of cave dwellings, such as their natural thermal insulation and climate adaptability, Rockscapes aims to create the best architectural shelter, capable of withstanding both hot and cold weather conditions. The use of rocks as the primary building material not only respects the environment but also serves as a metaphorical connection to our origins. It symbolizes a return to nature and a profound appreciation for the slow processes that shaped our planet.
Melek Demiröz
May 12, 2023
2nd Place
Museum for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Norway
A futuristic inspired museum with spatial experience for the ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how it aligns with the evolving challenges posed by climate change. It's considered that the Museum's beautifully futuristic design and spatial interiors addresses with the evolving challenges of climate change in Bergen, Norway. By reflecting on the specific features and technologies integrated into the museum's architecture; it significantly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainability.
Samaher Abouauf
May 24, 2023
3rd Place
A Retro-Futuristic Utopia
To begin our narrative, we must first ask ourselves: What is a Utopia? Philosophers and writers have asked themselves the same question, and their writings picture dozens of different utopic scenarios. From Plato to Marx, from Thomas More to H.G.Wells, their texts led us to reflect on our society and what we seek to achieve for humanity. From the most fantastical to the more cynical utopic scenarios, the concept of Utopia generally dwells on the balance between the individual and collective needs, the harmony between the happiness and freedom of the individual and the collective necessities of his community and the whole of society. In that way, the concept of Utopia is deeply connected to each individual’s personal view of the world, his thoughts, and experiences, as well as the collective needs, flaws, and challenges of each society in its time. To think about a Utopia is to think about the future we would like to achieve for ourselves and the others around us, it is to dream about the society we would like to be a part of. To wonder what the future would be like has always been part of our society’s collective imagination. For the last centuries, humanity has imagined many different futures.19th-century illustrations depict futuristic cities with dozens of airships, balloons, and machines assisting or replacing humans in toilsome tasks. Concept arts from the ’50s and 60’s illustrate flying cars, rockets, space stations, and robots. Whatever the age we live in, our dreams of the future always seem to be a reflection of our own time. Our collective imagination is bounded by the necessities, the technology, the challenges, the culture, and even the aesthetics of the present. When we think about Utopia, our thinking is limited to the problems that can be perceived in nowadays society but we, of course, fail to perceive the problems that are yet to come. Imagining the future has always been a tough task, and through the ages, technology has always been the focal point of our dreams about the future in illustrations and books. What technologies will the future bring? What new challenges will technological advancement bring to society? With the emergence of Artificial Intelligence our society is once again fearful about the future and our relation with technology. Technology advances faster than we can keep track of and it once again threatens to change or dismantle the structures of our society. The illustrations from the past have always shown the machines replacing us in laborious tasks as a good thing so that humanity could concentrate on activities that required thinking and creativity, but now, even that seems to be at stake. It makes us reflect not only about technology but about our society itself. Why do we feel threatened by something we created ourselves? Why the idea of a machine doing our work for us is something that causes us fear, instead of relief? In my own personal Utopia, technological advancement has evolved not to turn Man obsolete but to relieve the burdens of his life. In this utopic society, the true value lies in human life itself, not in what it can produce, and every man and woman is free to do what they choose with their time on this Earth without being threatened by poverty and humiliation, while the machines work on the most arduous task, such as industry and agriculture. In this society, universal basic income guarantees that every basic need of people will be attended, to so they can spend their time not for generating profit, but for personal growth. Where people may dedicate their lives doing what they truly love, and work not for greed or survival, but for solidarity and the collective good and advancement of society. Where their work not only is fairly compensated, but fulfilling as an effort towards the collective wellbeing. In this Utopia, people can spend less time worrying about money or pointless consumption and more time dedicated to their loved ones, art, religion, philosophy, and the search for enlightenment. The creation of this Utopic society might seem completely naïve, unreal, and impossible by any means, maybe just as impossible as the things we see in those 50’s illustrations, the families cutting through the city sky in their flying Cadillacs or the hotels on the moon. My predictions for the future, my own personal Utopia is probably just as imprecise as theirs, and that is why I wanted to represent it in an aesthetic similar to those mid-century retro-futuristic concept arts, with a focus on its architecture and urban design. To conclude, I'd like to cite a quote by Fernando Birri, made famous by the Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano. When asked what is the purpose of a utopia, he answered: “Utopia is on the horizon. I take two steps closer, it takes two steps away; I walk ten steps and the horizon runs ten steps further. It doesn’t matter how much I walk, I will never reach it. What is a utopia for? That's what it's for: so that I don't stop walking.”
Mateus Sena
June 20, 2023
4th Place
Inaka Resurgence: Utopia from Reconciliation
Currently, Japan is struggling with the looming economic and social implications of a rapidly aging population. Urban centers across its islands continue to gentrify and appeal to younger generations, resulting in the abandonment of rural regions ('inaka') to the hands of the elderly. Given this population crisis that compounds into imbalances in age distribution and urban transformation, the project ‘Inaka Resurgence’ harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to reimagine a sustainable future for Japan’s youth and elderly. Hence, we respond to the following question: How do you revitalize an area facing a rapidly aging population and a diminishing cultural presence?
Young Hoon Cho
June 9, 2023
5th Place
Ballerina's Thoughts
Elena, in her childhood, was impressed by the opera house she visited with her father and began to aspire to "stand on that stage." The opera house stood in a certain town, featuring architecture inspired by the wings of swans. Elena spent her days practicing and eventually grew to the point where she basked in the spotlight there. Her performances on stage captivated people from all over the world. Simultaneously, through her achievements, the opera house became loved by many. It became a gathering place for art enthusiasts and spread the motif of wings in architecture around the world. The accomplishments of this opera house and Elena were passed down through generations, becoming renowned as masterpieces of art. Their eternal presence continued into the future, forever etched in memory as a place of miracles.
kenta miyakawa
June 6, 2023
Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention
Capsule living
The Utopian Capsule Living Architecture is a cutting-edge design concept that aims to redefine the way we think about living spaces. Built around the principle of modularity, this architecture features a series of self-contained capsules that provide a comfortable and efficient living space for urban dwellers. Each capsule is designed to be self-contained, with a compact living space that includes a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette. The design maximizes the use of space, with clever storage solutions and multi-functional furniture that can be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of the resident. The capsules also feature large windows and skylights that provide plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy living space. The Utopian Capsule Living Architecture also prioritizes sustainability. The capsules are designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems that help to reduce energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint of the building. Additionally, the architecture is built with sustainable materials and is designed to promote healthy living, with plenty of natural ventilation and air filtration systems. Another key feature of the Utopian Capsule Living Architecture is its emphasis on community. The design features shared spaces such as lounges and co-working areas that encourage residents to interact with one another and build a sense of community. The architecture also includes shared amenities such as laundry facilities and a rooftop garden, which help to foster a sense of connection and cooperation among residents. Finally, the Utopian Capsule Living Architecture is designed to be affordable and accessible. By using a modular approach, the architecture can be built quickly and efficiently, reducing costs and making it more affordable for a wider range of residents. The design also includes features such as wheelchair-accessible entrances and elevators, ensuring that the building is accessible to people of all abilities. Overall, the Utopian Capsule Living Architecture is a bold and innovative design concept that offers a sustainable, community-focused, and affordable living solution for urban dwellers. We believe that this architecture has the potential to transform the way we think about living spaces, and to provide a comfortable and efficient living environment for people in cities around the world.
Andrew Pavlov
April 23, 2023
Honorable Mention
![[ UTOPIA ] x [ ART ] x [ CITY ] = UTOPIARTY](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Farchhhive-images.s3.amazonaws.com%2F638f6377fceec8001e307b0f%2F55FDA8C1-5B49-4C5A-850A-34114DF1747F-5ada7268-9a7c-4c87-96ac-2ca192379b80.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
[ UTOPIA ] x [ ART ] x [ CITY ] = UTOPIARTY
Art everywhere! A digital artistic utopia. Between dream and reality… « Utopia is not the unrealizable, but the unrealized. » — Theodore Monod [ Utopiarty ] : the utopian city of art. Digital is everywhere on our screens of phones, tablets and computers. This digitization could extend to architecture to transport us to surreal worlds. Our bodies experiencing a digital architectural walk. Offer dreams, transcend reality, stimulate the imagination. Permanently (or temporarily) transform the city overnight by installing led and/or photovoltaic cladding panels (or visual projections) on the facades. They will be powered by stored solar energy during the day and redistributed during the night. Images and videos inspired by Nature or featuring colorful abstract shapes and all that human creative genius can offer. Each budding or confirmed artist will then one day be able to project their work on the buildings punctuating this utopian city. Citizens will be able to see the full extent of creative talents. During the day, the constructions will return to their normal appearance. The night face of the city will never be the same. It will be in perpetual motion. A nocturnal urban metamorphosis. A open-air museum. A « dreameality »
Julius Roy
April 25, 2023
Honorable Mention
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