The 2026 Super Studio competition, organized by the Australian Institute of Architects' SONA, has unveiled its winners, with a unique and thought-provoking project taking the national prize. This annual event, open to student members, presented a challenge to design physical spaces centered around art, artifacts, or narratives, encouraging a sense of presence and engagement.
The winning project, "Arirang Gogae," designed by Jaehong Kim and Seo Jin Hong, is a memorial pavilion with a powerful message. Located in the Korean DMZ, this architectural music instrument aims to heal and connect. The designers' vision is to use music as a bridge, allowing visitors to pluck strings and create vibrations that symbolize shared memories and identities.
"Our project is about remembering the wounds of war and reclaiming our shared identity through music," the designers explain. The experience of playing the strings and feeling the vibrations from the other side is a profound and poetic reflection on memory and connection.
The Power of Design
What makes this project so extraordinary is how it seamlessly blends music and architecture to address a political divide. The jury was impressed by the depth of thought and the innovative use of architecture to create an emotional and sensory experience.
"The idea of allowing strangers to feel each other's presence through music is a powerful concept," they said. This project showcases the potential of design to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections.
State Winners
The state chapter winners also impressed with their original and inventive thinking. Each project brought a unique perspective and creative touch to visual storytelling. Here's a glimpse at the state winners:
- Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory: "Pre-sense" by Barton Taylor
- New South Wales: "Edge of Paradise" by Ho Yeung Alvin Chan
- Northern Territory: "Delirra Park" by Rose Souter, Jorja Handebo, and Ashley Bagadiong
- South Australia: "Finding Ourselves" by Dylan Fleming and Angus Vojonovic
- Tasmania: "The End of Pursuit" by Ee Xuen Lee and Gabriel Yiek
- Victoria: "Refugium" by Wendy Wing, Rowan Taylor, and Ruth Martin
- Western Australia: "Imprint" by Willow McGuigan and Jelaica Nabajo
A Step Towards a Brighter Future
The 2026 Super Studio competition highlights the talent and creativity of Australia's architectural students. These projects not only showcase innovative design but also address deeper societal issues.
Personally, I find it fascinating how these young designers are using their skills to explore themes of memory, identity, and connection. Their work challenges us to think about the role of architecture in shaping our emotional and sensory experiences.
If you take a step back, you'll see that these projects are more than just designs; they are powerful statements about the human condition and our desire for connection.
This competition is a testament to the power of design to inspire and provoke thought. It leaves us with a deeper understanding of the potential for architecture to create meaningful change and bring people together.
