Museum of Emotions competition winners respond to text-free brief with inspiring results

Jury feedback summary: "This project contrasts two very different environments to explore the relationship between architecture, nature, and human experience. The exterior blends with the surrounding landscape, featuring a floral envelope that changes with the seasons, emphasizing time and connection to nature. In contrast, the interior is dark, static, and introspective, creating a stark spatial and emotional divide. By integrating plant life into the structure, the project exposes hidden ecological systems and challenges conventional architectural boundaries. Using minimal materials and natural light, it balances openness and seclusion, offering a reflective space while addressing sustainability and the integration of natural elements in design."

You can read the full interview with 1st Prize Winner + Buildner Student Award winners here.

2nd Prize - 'BORDERLINE' by Hongyang Deng, 蔡 映雪, and Jianing Guo (China)

Jury feedback summary: "This project uses a curvilinear form to create a strong connection between the landscape and the shoreline, guiding visitors along a path that evokes a progression of emotional and spatial experiences. The wavy design gestures both soften and emphasize the dramatic boundary of the cliff, directing views alternately towards the land and the sea. This careful integration respects the natural context while offering a protected space for reflection and play. The design captures the duality of its site—the joy of a verdant landscape alongside the stark edge of the shoreline—offering a thoughtful exploration of topography and human interaction with nature."

You can read the full interview with the 2nd Prize winners here.

3rd Prize - WITH (IN) by Thomas Santiago and Tovar Lozano of Florida International University (United States)

Jury feedback summary: "This project explores the interplay between architecture and nature to offer a tranquil, atmospheric space that straddles the boundary between interior and exterior. The design features a cave-like enclosure and a cantilevered platform, creating contrasting yet complementary experiences. These elements harmonize with the natural setting, enhancing a sense of simplicity and elegance. The project’s transitions, such as the pathway and thresholds, are carefully designed to guide visitors through a journey that balances enclosure and openness. While its monochromatic presentation emphasizes universality, the design’s nuanced approach to space and context creates a unique architectural expression rooted in contrasts and continuity."

You can read the full interview with 3rd Prize winners here.