An Interview With First Winner Of Tiny House 2024 Architecture Competition - Harris Qaiser and Annie Cheng

HA- Our thought process was centred around context-driven problem solving, specifically addressing Tokyo’s unique urban challenges. Wanting to address issues relevant to the future of the built environment, we focused our investigation on Shibuya's distinctive conditions by exploring its density and heavy tourism. This analysis shaped our goal of creating a space where both immediate and future occupants could truly thrive within such its constrained urban fabric. 

 

We established three key focuses: adaptivity, sustainability, and cultural responsiveness. This led us to create a framework where the clients’ needs and sustainability considerations were met within Tokyo’s built environment. We implemented off grid, green roof and back up equipment so occupants spend less on utilities and capitalise on sustainable solutions. 

HA- This is the first competition we have participated in. We were attracted to the potential skills and collaboration aspect this project would teach us. The competition seemed well balanced with specific guidelines as well as an option for participants to explore various niches within the brief. The core idea of challenging what’s possible within a small space was unique and relevant to real world scenarios. We wanted to utilise what we learnt from our time interning in Japan, to equip us with skills necessary to translate them into the workspace. 

Harris: I believe in the ability to think in the perspective of others. Expressing others' designs through skills gained can enable me to develop my competency as an architect. Having experienced working on various concepts through to client presentation. The success is in the collaboration and seeking of feedback, which builds depth and purpose. 

 

Annie: My design approach is rooted in understanding the unique context of each project, whether it be the site, the client's needs, and the cultural and environmental factors. I believe good design should respond thoughtfully to its surroundings, celebrating what makes each place special. 

HA- The key is understanding and collaboration. The building blocks of this competition was understanding the cultural context and values, developed through our lived experience in Tokyo. We were given a unique opportunity to experience what it meant to design from the perspective of another community and its people.  

 

We were also successful in drawing from our different individual strengths. Annie became the design lead, maximising the form through an humanistic approach. Harris’s technical approach developed the design in assimilating the construction and specification. Throughout the design process we shared our ideas and gave each other feedback, we discussed challenges, changes, and the overall direction through each design stage. Critiquing our decisions and understanding our individual strengths and weaknesses, enabled  us to work in cohesion and push for a stronger design.