JFK 2008 - winner of the design category

archiweb: The jury had only a few minutes to evaluate each project, they saw only one sheet and could assess only its final form. However, we would still be interested in the journey and development of the project during the semester. Can you look back and summarize the path of how the assignment was refined, the form was polished, and (if at all) the consultations thrived?

Vojtěch Malina: The assignment was simple - a mobile shelter for the homeless. At the beginning, I did a little private brainstorming. I listed all kinds of mobile means, even complete absurdities, from which I chose the 3 best. (An advertising airship, a hand cart with a box, a bicycle with a trailer.) I presented those at the first consultation. I didn't have a good feeling after the first consultation. It still lacked something. For several days, I was interested in homeless people. Every morning, I saw them pushing a hand cart to the scrap yard. This sight showed me that a homeless person only has a hand cart, a sleeping bag, and a bottle of rum. At that moment, it was clear... The second consultation went much better. And then everything went smoothly without major issues.

archiweb: The accompanying report for most projects is created on the last night before submission, which corresponds to the stylistic level. The unimportance of the written word goes hand in hand with the public secret that "architects don’t read, they only look." Could you still describe your winning project in a few brief sentences?

Vojtěch Malina: A picture is worth more than 1000 words.

archiweb: What did you take away from the awards ceremony besides the prize?

Vojtěch Malina: A great feeling from the unexpected recognition. And above all, a desire for further projects.