ARCHITECTURAL

ARCHITECTURAL AWARD 2022

WINNER ARCHITECTURAL YICHEN SHENG

Vessel of Machine by Yichen Sheng
Winner of Architectural Award 2022
University of Melbourne
‘The project challenges the definition of the Museum as a container. Rhapsody, Parody, and Requiem as the epitome of James Stirling's operations from the CCA archive, become the driving force that transforms the Shell of Ca’ Corner della Regina into a Vessel: a reassembly of the metaphorical and performative devices that constructs a mutual dialogue between the museum architecture, exhibition, people and the city.
This apparatus is the vessel of the machine: Rhapsody. it's the reflection between art and contemporary technology. In this vessel, the shell of Ca’ Corner is transformed into a classical machine that mimics the factory's streamlined production.’

Judges’ comments

The judges felt Sheng’s work was a truly original piece capturing a unique style and vision to create a striking image. They praised the sophisticated and innovative blending of traditional drawing methods with creative flair.
The selective use of colour adds a level of energy to the drawing that draws the viewer in. “The strong composition and placement of colour intensity and detail directs your eye through the most important details before inviting you to explore the drawing further. The drawing captures the essence of the project to display art, detailing the architectural elements with precision.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED STÉPHANE MONTBEL

Hétérotopie de Braga by Stéphane Montbel
Highly Commended for Architectural Award 2022
Université d'Auvergne
‘BRAGA, body and soul care, travel through the heterotopia (religious agricultural heart) out of step with the unified rhythm of the city of Braga, theme of the journey to a marginal place.’

COMMENDED YASMIN NORTH

The Shrine to a Priori: A View Behind the Veils by Yasmin North
Commended for Architectural Award 2022
Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
‘The Shrine to a Priori, a non-denominational shrine to faith, is designed to provoke the subliminal and divine in a currently enlightened society where we have philosophically killed God. To capture a notion of transience this shrine creates sublime moments through instruments that use water to craft atmospheres that are obscure, uncanny, sudden, and light, all to create a feeling of the divine.
In this view through the space the mechanical system is revealed, transporting water through a vast network of pipes and instruments that collect water and span across a landscape feeding veils of mist, steam, pools and falling water, all creating sublime moments that reflect an immeasurable power and echo a sense of greatness as one walks through.’

COMMENDED J.G. FOX

A Bitcoin Mine in the Chinoiserie Style by J.G. Fox
Commended for Architectural Award 2022
‘From afar this image seems to be an antique architectural drawing, playing on the chinoiserie style popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, on closer inspection a highly contemporary scene is playing out. In recent years we have seen stories of huge server farms being built across Asia for the purposes of mining cryptocurrency, colossal in scale and necessitating huge amounts of energy. This strange new curiosity, and the wealth that is involved in it, fascinates us in the same way that 17th century Westerners were captivated by the exoticisms of the East. Reawakening an old style with a contemporary touchstone reminds us that everything was new once; what we feel for new trends today would have also been felt by those before us.’

SPECIAL MENTION CARLOS PEREIRA

A Stage Where Life is Performed by Carlos Pereira
Special Mention for Architectural Award 2022
University of Liverpool
‘Below the bridging craft workshops is 'Ely Plaza' situated at the heart of Brick Lane in London.
The draping dyed fabrics glimmer in the sunlight as wind blows them dry.
The building is a circular representation of formulating ideas, creation, exhibition and then use.
It is a celebration of Bangladesh and Brick Lanes relationship with the textile industry dating back many generations of migrants who made it their home and brought their expertise with them to London.’

SPECIAL MENTION TOM WOOD

Working Monuments: A New Pedagogy by Tom Wood
Special Mention for Architectural Award 2022
University of Northumbria at Newcastle
‘Wallsend’s former Swan Hunter Shipyard acts as the catalyst for a new pedagogy. A re-birth of its once famous fabrication shed will enable the exploration of technological advances and manufactured entities, influenced by a sample matrix of past ideas. The approach taken will evolve over time, gradually building an archive of layered industrial ruins.
Adjoining the River Tyne, the 200m long drydock provides a framework in which people can collectively and practically solve complex problems pertaining to manufacturing and current affairs, creating systemic change in the way people view industry.
A partial elevation of the translucent envelope, unveiling the shed's inner workings.’

The Architectural Award 2022 is in partnership with Bentley’s MicroStation

MicroStation is the instrument professionals rely on to design, model, and manage infrastructure.

It’s more sophisticated than a tool – it’s an accessible instrument that offers power, control, efficiency, and security. It excels at enabling innovative design and creative visualizations and consolidates critical project elements in a single environment for effective, secure project deliverables. It’s built to scale from the smallest to the largest of infrastructure projects that can span days, months, or years. And it’s the foundation that supports the entire Bentley modeling ecosystem.

Learn more about microstation

visit the winners exhibition