FIRST PRIZE WINNER!
Eric Huynh, Uirim Jin & Tim Follett-Dion
U.S.
Eric Huynh
My name is Eric Huynh and I am a third year student studying architecture at the University of Minnesota. I love to design, and in my free time, I like to make small crafts for friends and family.
Uirim Jin
My name is Uirim Jin. I am currently studying Architecture B.S Program at the University of Mineesota as a junior. In leisure time, I usually like to watch scary movies or go night walk.
When I get stress sometimes, I like to draw some stuff.
Tim Follett-Dion
My name is Tim Follett-Dion and I am a junior majoring in architecture at the University of Minnesota. My studies at the College of Design have fueled existing interests and sparked new ones for me. I have been interested in and engaged in sustainability in my design work since I started at the University of Minnesota. Sustainability design classes have deepened my understanding of creating environmentally friendly spaces.
Interview with the Winner
What is your design philosophy?
Eric Huynh:
My design philosophy is fairly simple. I like to design and come up with solutions that are innovative and out of the ordinary. I also base my design for the people; to create a space that is experientially pleasant, and a space that will be there for a very long time, as the people are the ones who inhabit this space. I ask myself this question: How would I feel if I put myself in this space? How would others feel? Asking myself these questions really push my design and help develop something that is actually usable and not just for aesthetics.
Uirim Jin:
My design philosophy is mostly focused on space and the feeling of that space. When I design a building, I think about what feeling would I have or do I feel when I am in that building. So, If I analyze and examine that thinking process and then I go to the next steps. Doing that process, it really leads me to a strong connection between the building and myself. So, I think my design philosophy is mainly about people’s feelings and those moments in spaces.
Tim Follett-Dion:
My design philosophy focuses on sustainability and how buildings adapt to future changes. Sustainability means looking at the passive and active design, selective materials, and regeneration.
Can you briefly explain your understanding of the topic and the source of ideas?
Eric Huynh:
This topic really interested me and it connected well with my design philosophy. Being a home 100 years into the future, the possibilities are endless. Therefore, there are no limits and restrictions to my design. We don’t know what advancements in technology will happen in 100 years into the future and technology has been advancing rapidly these past years. We can choose to design whatever we want even if it sounds crazy today because it might not be crazy in the future. We based our design on the trend of global warming, and the predictions of what might happen if that trend continues. One thing we looked at was biomimicry - to mimic strategies found in nature and solve human design challenges. We thought that this was something that would be looked at more into the future. Another thing we thought about was what type of experience people will have in the future. Today, people are already switching their classes and work into the digital age. This led us to believe that work doesn’t need to be at a set place, but rather anyplace and that allows a more nomadic lifestyle. A lifestyle where you can travel anywhere in the world and still be able to work.
Uirim Jin:
I understood this topic more in a creative way and also how fast we are developing in a technical way. Also, since we are facing global warming issues, I thought that nature and sustainability were also crucial concepts in our idea. That is how we end up having “Bon voyage” house for family and the whole buildings that are connected to it.
Tim Follett-Dion:
I understand the topic is figuring out the current challenge, climate change. Some islands are facing disasters and sinking into the ocean. How can we design a place to replace the islands which lead us to our “Bon voyage” house. A house is free of traveling on water, and a water community to adapt to the change we are facing 100 years later.
When and how were you first introduced to architecture?
Eric Huynh:
I grew up in a family not of architects or in fact, any design based professions. I was actually introduced to architecture very late in my life. One thing for sure is that I grew up loving to design, and I would always make things or come up with problem solutions for the people around me. During high school as I was deciding my career path and what major I would pursue, my friends suggested that I should become an architect. I looked it up, decided it was cool, and was like, “yeah, I’ll try it out.”
Uirim Jin:
Basically, I was not really into architecture area. I was just a normal person who was surprised to see fabulous architectural buildings or structures. One point that really got me to be interested in the architecture field was in Malawi in Malaysia as I was doing missionary activities there. There were so many poor people who did not have any homes or places to shelter themselves. This impoverished situation lead me to think later in my life, I want to be a person who can provide nice shelter to people. I know this shelter does not really related to architecture, but that guides me to think through that at least I have to have some professional knowledge to help people. So, yes..!
Tim Follett-Dion:
I was always amazed by skyscrapers when I was little. I will never forget the construction machines putting the building piece together. I took a 3D design class in high school and am attached to designing and building objects. I have decided to major in architecture and design and create what I love.
What does architecture mean to you?
Eric Huynh:
At first, architecture didn’t really have much meaning to me. It was just some piece of structure I see everyday. As I continued my architectural journey, it became apparent to me that there is so much more to architecture than meets the eye. Architecture is a collection of thought and work put together to form a coherent piece that reflects traditions, cultures, design philosophies, history, ideas, and the people who make it possible. It is very complicated, and I know that the meaning of architecture to me will continue to change as I continue my journey.
Uirim Jin:
If I have to answer this question in one word, that would be “everything”. Architecture is everywhere and also related to everything in my life. When you walk on the street, you see all nice fancy buildings. When you are inside of the buildings, you have to know or navigate through to find places or rooms that you want to go. So, whenever or wherever, it just makes me keep thinking about architecture. That is why I said It means everything to me.
Tim Follett-Dion:
Architecture is a master of planning—the planning of the building's function, feeling, and sustainability.
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