Why architecture competitions are a great idea during the COVID-19 pandemic

Back in 2015, Bee Breeders launched the Krakow Oxygen Home architecture competition which tasked participants to create designs for a lung cancer care center in the heart of one of the most-polluted cities in the world.

Krakow’s terrible air quality has lead to high levels of lung cancer in the Polish city, and project submissions created a space within the city where those suffering could rest, recover, and socialise with others while receiving support during their treatment.

Second-prize winners Paul Jones and Chris Brown from the UK were recognised by the jury panel for their sensible siting and materiality. They designed a care center situated along a street between existing oncology center buildings, connected by a lattice roof structure that unifies the activity and function of the building while mediating environmental conditions.

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Back in 2015, Bee Breeders launched the Krakow Oxygen Home architecture competition which tasked participants to create designs for a lung cancer care center in the heart of one of the most-polluted cities in the world.

Krakow’s terrible air quality has lead to high levels of lung cancer in the Polish city, and project submissions created a space within the city where those suffering could rest, recover, and socialise with others while receiving support during their treatment.

Second-prize winners Paul Jones and Chris Brown from the UK were recognised by the jury panel for their sensible siting and materiality. They designed a care center situated along a street between existing oncology center buildings, connected by a lattice roof structure that unifies the activity and function of the building while mediating environmental conditions.

“We participate in competitions primarily to test ideas, and challenge ourselves against others through the competition format. We also use them to help hone our drawing and communication skills; this is important when teaching our students. The architecture vision organisation sets provocative and engaging briefs that are interesting to undertake.”

 

Krakow Oxygen Home architecture competition 2nd prize winners – Paul Jones and Chris Brown from United Kingdom

But it wasn’t just the jury panel that took notice. After having their designs published as winners on the competition website as well as several industry publications such as Dezeen and ArchDaily, Paul and Chris started to receive some favourable attention for their work.