THIRD PRIZE WINNER!
Rubo Sun & Jian Zhu
U.S.
Rubo Sun and Jian Zhu are architectural designers based in NYC, specializing in a diverse range of projects, from small-scale interior designs to large-scale urban campus developments.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction:
We are architectural designers based in NYC, specializing in a diverse range of projects, from small-scale interior designs to large-scale urban campus developments.
As professional architectural designers, we recognize the critical role rendering plays in our work, particularly in conveying design concepts and materiality. The Materialize Architectural Rendering Competition serves as an excellent platform for us to share our ideas with talented designers worldwide and gain inspiration from one another.
Material Innovation:
One material gaining increasing popularity in modern architecture is ETFE, celebrated for its distinctive properties. Our rendered images depict a scenario utilizing ETFE to highlight its lightness, versatility, and durability in the design of an outdoor emergency shelter. By combining advanced rendering techniques with real-world contexts, the images vividly demonstrate ETFE's potential to transform lightweight, efficient, and visually striking architectural solutions.
Artistic Vision:
Our goal is to showcase the practical application of ETFE material in a real-world scenario, making technical accuracy a top priority in our submission. We aim to precisely represent its lightweight nature, flexibility, and supporting structure to the best of our ability. While aesthetics are secondary, they remain an important aspect of our presentation.
Creative Process:
We began by selecting the material we wanted to showcase, and the first idea that came to mind was ETFE—a lightweight, translucent envelope that contrasts beautifully with architectural solidity. Inspired by ETFE's properties, we envisioned a scenario where an ETFE bubble emerges in a forest, serving as a durable yet low-impact shelter for outdoor hikers.
Challenges and Solutions:
To address ETFE’s properties, we explored several advanced rendering engines and leveraged AI technology to achieve realistic light behaviour. By feeding the model with photographs of the material captured under similar lighting conditions, we were able to closely replicate real-world light interactions.
Sources of Inspiration:
Our design is inspired by the innovative use of ETFE by architects like Selgas Cano. Their projects highlight how ETFE can seamlessly blend functional performance with aesthetic appeal, which strongly influences our approach.
Reflections on Winning:
It is a tremendous honour to have won third place in the Materialize Architectural Rendering Competition. This opportunity not only allowed us to showcase our ideas as young professionals but also provided a platform to explore the latest advancements in architectural rendering technology and engage with the industry’s cutting-edge innovations.
Future Aspirations:
Being recognized by the juries and the community is a great encouragement, affirming the valuable potential of ETFE in the design industry. This recognition inspires us to further explore and integrate ETFE into our future projects, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
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