Winner of the interior scholarship 2015
On 22 May, five interior architects and architects gathered together at the AIT ArchitekturSalon in Cologne for the fifth time to judge the approximately 100 applications submitted for the interior scholarship.
As in previous years, applications had been received from all over the world. Work from 12 different countries by students of 30 different nationalities was submitted. The applicants demonstrated their abilities not only through their achievements in relation to their studies, but also showed a great deal of creativity when it came to the impromptu task they were set. This task was a criterion of the application for the second time this year – the students were asked to design a three-dimensional room concept based on the tried-and-tested “blackboard”, which would serve as a platform allowing information to be shared directly, such as within educational buildings.
After three rounds of deliberation, the jury unanimously decided on two winners who stood out in particular thanks to their written work and creative ways of thinking. The prize money of EUR 21,000 was split between two students from Germany and Austria who will now enjoy a monthly grant of EUR 875 each.
The scholarships are financed by the Sto Foundation, which regards “training the next generation as an investment in the future of our society” and has made this their goal. It is for this reason that the Sto Foundation supports young people in their academic training. As its overarching objective, the Sto Foundation draws on the mission statement “Building with conscience.” of Sto SE and has set itself the goal of being a global technology leader in the industry with respect to the human and sustainable design of constructed living spaces.
The two winners of the interior scholarship 2015 are:
Stefan Prattes | Graz University of Technology
With Austrian Stefan Prattes, a male applicant has finally come out on top again as the recipient of this year's scholarship. His portfolio surprises with the clearly evident maturity in which he approaches complex questions from both a tectonic and conceptual perspective. Interior and exterior architecture are considered as inseparable entities. What unites both disciplines is the precise use of space, construction, light, and materiality. Impressing the jury, Prattes' design of a nomadic piece of furniture is just as reduced as it is original. In addition to his conceptual talent, there is also the sense that he has a level-headed attitude which is also demonstrated through the precise implementation and excellent presentation of his work.
Lore Hauck | Muthesius University in Kiel
Lore Hauck impresses with the graphically clean way in which she develops her work, her free approach, openness to tasks, and her appropriate and contemporary presentation style. Light and information are intelligently combined in a range of contexts (interior and exterior). After various test efforts on the model, Hauck devised a body comprising density, expanse, light, and shade with dramatic tapering. Her interior presentation demonstrates a great understanding of the effect of interiors. The linking of different sensory perceptions is cleverly staged. The choice of resources presented corresponds convincingly with the content. Although the project proposals have a strategic and artistic aspect, the way they were staged in the room with an economical use of resources was very successful. Lore Hauck's talent shines out from the field of applicants due to the freedom yet also disciplined development approach seen in her work.
Chaired by Prof. Peter Cheret, the jury was represented by interior architect Monika Lepel (Lepel & Lepel), Andrea Weitz (raumkontor), architect Philipp Beck (atelier 522), and Kristina Bacht (AIT ArchitekturSalon).
The abundance of applications submitted gave the jury a comprehensive overview of the teaching at various universities, their fields of study, and specialisms. One striking aspect when viewing the portfolios was the “overabundance” of product design projects and collage installations. Contextual themes were in the minority.
Ultimately, interior architecture is a degree course for talented students. It is astounding how apparent and varied the different talents shown in the portfolios were. The jury strongly encourages the universities to convey the fundamental principles of design and then to specifically address the aspect of the interior in its entirety.
In addition to the prize money, the scholarship holders are also offered the opportunity of presenting their work to the professional audience attending the Möbelmesse 2016 furniture fair at the AIT-ArchitekturSalon in Cologne.