Architects test their theater skills in the 24H Competition 11th edition

From time-capsule museums, moon structures, to a residential tower for refugees, the 24H Competition took a “dramatic” turn in its Shakespearian 11th edition. Created by Ideas Forward, the 24H Competition focuses on engaging topics regarding social issues, climate change, humanitarian causes, and other various modern sociologic problems. No one knows the actual prompt until competition day. Then from there, it's a race against the clock, and participants only have 24 hours to complete and submit their proposals.

Inspired by the concept of the traveling theater company, the timeless magic of William Shakespeare's plays, and the ever-relevant topic of mobility in architecture, participants in this edition had to devise a modern reinterpretation of a portable theater.

Following evaluations, the jury selected the three prize winners and seven honorable mentions. Have a look at them below.

1st place: Mateusz Binkowski, Joanna Targowicz | Kraków, Poland

Jury comments:

“The success of the design is based on its mechanism and functionality, further,the connection that create between the audience. For theatrical performances, the piles become both architectural element astonishing the audience and a very particular tool expanding to the wider distance. This is a very characteristic design approach that can be unforgettable for each performance. The other aspect of design is that the structure is very functional; flexible, light, changeable and transformative to go further, and all the construction strategies were well defined for design. The stage, piles, light, water and boats are becoming the main part of the architectural design, the theatre itself enhancing participation to the event and upgrading performances to another level.” — Berrin Chatzi Chousein

“This proposal deserves 1st place due to the new idea that [it] proposes: Water, light and the concept of in&out. Theatre is an old world and it needs new proposal to develop.” — Rafael Gonzalez del Castillo Sancho

“‘Twigs’ proposes us a flexible and magic ambience to follow any narrative. It's a sensitive and powerful solution able to create a proper environment for any story.” — Jorge Mealha

2nd place: Lucie Chapuis, Léo Cadoret | Montpellier, France

Jury comments:

“Bubbles is a smart, pragmatic and curious answer in order to obtain a small stage set, a focus point for Shakespeare narratives.” — Jorge Mealha

“Shakespeare's Bubble presents an epic story about what the ultimate design can be at least. Even though it seems a little bit utopian story, the way you present your design is giving a real sense of place to the audience about how we will watch the performances. The construction techniques of bubbles and the stage behind that are well define. The most important thing in design approach is that the stage allows for maximum mobility through its structure. The narrative of design is very emblematic, strong, attracting, simple, and easy to grasp how will it work in every place. The mobility on the water is the key point in order to catch more audiences for performances.” — Berrin Chatzi Chousein

“This proposal deserves 2nd place due to the concept of an aquatic theatre. Furthermore it opens from a box into this magical bubble. The image is a full layout that shows the sections and icons in a transparent column, a well-thought composition.” — Rafael Gonzalez del Castillo Sancho

3rd place: Diego Ramirez, Ksenia Dyusembaeva, Borislav Schalev | Barcelona, Spain

Jury comments:

”A very interesting design as well as the idea of bold mobility. a powerful concept of scenic spaced.” — Pedro Giestas

“From my point of view, african proposal doesn't have to show what we know about this continent but to show new ideas that can fix in that climate, area or culture. Instead of proposing a giraffe without head, it could have been another modern idea. However, a walking scenario it has a good point of view to start.” — Rafael Gonzalez del Castillo Sancho

“The ‘Imaginary Healer’ is a new characterization of theatre design in terms of mobility, usability and image for other places like Sub-saharan countries. Although it looks like an alien in the deserts the competitor defined, it becomes a good communicative tool through its skin and mechanism. The structure of design becomes the theatre itself regarding its animalistic show even if it presents nothing -it completely belongs to the deserts.The materials, textures and construction process are easily understandable in terms of fabrication techniques. Its presents will immediately attract audiences' attention and increase participation, so this structure can only walk and display itself in everywhere.” — Berrin Chatzi Chousein

You can find the honorable mentions in the gallery right below.