Young talents can bring new and unexpected perspectives to architecture. That is why we regularly organise The Unbelievable Challenge competition for young architects, students and graduates.  

The task of our third consecutive competition held at the end of last year was to design the Museum of Snow in the hometown of Mr. Santa Claus, in Rovaniemi, Finland. The big idea was to draw attention to the challenge of declining snow cover even in the Arctic Circle. We met with Štefánia Vasilková, a 2021 finalist from Slovakia to hear her thoughts about architecture and the competition.
 

Sustainability is our common concern

“As I have participated once before in The Unbelievable Challenge, I received an email directly from Ruukki. And I noticed it on social media, too. Climate change as a theme and creating a snow museum felt like attractive challenges. The assignment was creative, although it had quite a few specific conditions to meet. Almost every one of us is feeling the climate change, and since the construction industry itself is a major contributor to it, it is time to think more about it,” Štefánia opens her reasoning for participation.

“I basically tried to find out as much information as I could about Rovaniemi – the place where the museum was to stand – and to give the whole design a concept that wouldn’t disturb the environment, which was also a condition of the assignment. I looked up information and video presentations on the Ruukki website, which were quite helpful. The basis of the design was to create an interesting public space, and I hope I have succeeded,” she replies.
 

Architecture – combination of art and technology

When thinking about the future career path, Štefánia knew, she wanted to work with something creative and chose to study architecture at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava based on a number of factors, such as her field of study, references from friends and distance from home. 

 “Architecture seemed to be an interesting combination of art and technology. I like the diversity and scope of the field itself – from smaller installations to urbanism. Also how architecture can influence the quality of life, not only of individuals, but also of the society as a whole. And many times, one does not even realize it,” she explains.

Now after school, both residential and commercial buildings interest her. “Houses also have their own charm,” she says and continues: “Lately I’ve been quite into interior design, so I don’t have one specific direction yet. It’s great to work on real projects because I didn’t have much time for internships while studying.”

What does Štefánia enjoy most about her work and does she have a style of her own, already? “Definitely I enjoy inventing the design and concept; probably like any other architect. Then again, I enjoy the actual drawing and related documentation a little less. I don't think my designs have a unique signature yet, but that may come in time. When designing, I usually try to take into account the location, surroundings and the overall atmosphere and then create a building that fits in, but at the same time is different in its own way,” she replies.

According to Štefánia, there is quality architecture in Slovakia certainly comparable to that of the world. “What I miss, however, is more architectural competitions, especially for public buildings. I also see a problem in the number of dilapidated architecturally valuable buildings with potential for further use. In this respect, we could be more inspired by world trends,” she adds.
 

Sustainable building products and architecture

In The Unbelievable Challenge, the architectural design had to use sustainable and eco-friendly Ruukki products, and the designer had to think about the recyclability and reuse of the products. Furthermore, the design had to be presented to the jury in an inspiring way. Not an easy task for a student, you might say. As Štefánia Vasilková made it to the final already the second time, she certainly knows how to impress.

When talking about sustainability, Štefánia has a firm opinion: “Given the current state of the climate, sustainable solutions must be sought. I think there is room for this in architecture, whether in terms of the conversion of unused buildings and brownfields, or in terms of material and technological solutions,” she explains.
 

Štefánia’s design: "Detached"

Photo: The jury assessed the work as functionally well-planned, fresh and convincing. It fitted nicely with the riverside park and they highlighted the creation of a courtyard that can be used interactively.

The main idea of Štefánia’s snow museum design was not only to create a museum building, but also a public space for visitors and passers-by. A small courtyard was therefore created between the buildings, the shape of which is inspired by snowdrifts. This is usable for a variety of activities, such as a public ice-skating rink in winters. In summer, the green roofs of the buildings can serve as a place to sit with a view of the exhibitions. From Ruukki products, Štefánia used wall and roof steel structures as well as perforated and backlit façade cladding.

“I highly appreciate being one of the finalists. I would like to thank Ruukki for organising this competition. There aren’t so many projects like this, so it’s a great opportunity for young architects. And I also appreciate that an important topic such as sustainable architecture has been highlighted and made more visible,” she concludes our discussion.

More about the competition and all finalists can be found on The Unbelievable Challenge website.

Photo: Sales Manager Martin Alexik (left), Marketing Manager Eva Krausova (middle) and Sales Representative Ján Bujňák (right) had an opportunity to celebrate the success together with Štefánia in Slovakia.