Avesta’s Building Contest: A Triumph of Visionary Architecture and Collective Spirit

The three winning structures of Avesta's building contest.

A contest judged by Hugh Urbix Oser - Head Of Cultural Curation, Seed Industries

In the vast expanse of Avesta, where societal expressions are often bound by the limits of time and resources available, a monumental event unfolded, a building contest that transcended mere structures and became a celebration of creativity, cohesion, and, dare I say, the very essence of community. From towering monuments that kissed the sky to humble dwellings that rooted their foundations in practicality, each entry served as both an artistic testament and a functional manifestation of the societies that chose to create them. "We took this challenge as an opportunity to work together for the greater good of all," shared Brutopia’s Kshennya, showcasing the tone of the contest’s collaborative energy. 

🏆 First Place: Novalith’s Smiling University

Novalith’s winning entry was a testament to both design and function. Built with accessibility in mind, the six-story tower featured green rooftops, communal terraces, and a mix of public and private spaces that made it feel like a university for all.

"Juuj, Mycelium, and I all took part in designing and decorating a University that would be functional and used after the contest was over," explained Novalith’s Willow. "Our society is built on shaping the future through science, and we took this opportunity to build a structure that could stand for ages and support a growing community."

This building’s innovative design won the contest by redefining how space is experienced. One might recall the words of the philosopher-architect, who once opined,  “We only become conscious of space when it’s either too big (a cathedral or a palace) or too small (a railway cabin or a prison cell).” Here, space is intentionally structured to balance openness and privacy, creating a seamless University experience. 

The first floor fosters community with shared desks and kitchen tables, while the second offers a mix of rest and function, featuring a bedroom with five beds, a cozy reading sofa, additional workspaces, and a spacious corridor leading to two elevators. On the fourth floor, six distinct rooms cater to individual needs, emphasizing privacy. This thoughtful approach to spatial design is what set the building apart, making it a deserving winner.

🥈 Second Place: Brutopia’s Seaglass Lane 

Ah, Brutopia—their approach to architecture is nothing short of poetic, driven by a desire for sustainability, unity, and the celebration of shared living. Seaglass Lane, their entry, was a brilliant exercise in modularity, designed not for grandeur, but for efficiency, harmony, and beauty. The apartments, bathed in natural light, were complemented by lush gardens and towering trees that seemed to whisper of the connectedness of life.

Brutopia also took the opportunity to add a lighthouse to Seaglass Cove, a project that became a symbol of their guiding philosophy. "The lighthouse that now stands in Seaglass Cove illuminates our greatest wish—to light the way and protect all Seedlings within Brutopia and beyond," Kshennya shared. This, I believe, is what sets Brutopia apart: their unwavering commitment to both sustainability and shared prosperity.

🥉 Third Place: The Prosperia Spires

A peculiar yet compelling entry, Prosperia Prime’s Spires captured the imagination, even if the execution was less than complete. A trio of towers—each rising in bold defiance of traditional architectural restraint—dared to challenge conventional notions of space. The central spire, towering above its peers, stood as a symbol of aspiration, though, as Garret, the leader of Prosperia, noted, “Due to contest timing, Prosperia was unable to fully participate. A preplanned megastructure was built, but due to scheduling conflicts, decorations were not able to be added in time.”

Despite the absence of decoration, the raw power of the spires made an lasting impression. There is something undeniably captivating about a structure left unfinished, its potential suspended in the air. Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, this risk, the audacity to leave something unfinished, was the very essence of Prosperia's entry. After all, there is a certain charm in the unknown, a poetry in the unwritten.

In conclusion, the building contest was not merely a competition of brick and wood, it was a reflection of the societies themselves. It was a reminder that in this world of transience, culture and architecture can endure. It is my belief that these creations, whether towering or humble, will stand as lasting testaments to the ingenuity, spirit, and vision of their creators. Indeed, aesthetics are ageless, and the true measure of architecture is not simply the structure, but the soul it nurtures.

Your ever-esteemed cultural servant, Hugh Urbix Oser