We are delighted to announce the results of the 2023 Archiol History of Architecture Essay Competition, a celebration of the rich and diverse stories of temple architecture from around the world. The overwhelming response to this competition reflects the enduring significance of temples in the global architectural narrative.
In the vast tapestry of architectural history, temples have always held a special place. From the ancient ziggurats of Mesopotamia to the intricate temples of South East Asia, from the classical Greek parthenons to the expansive Hindu temples of India, these sacred edifices have not only served as places of worship but also as profound symbols of human civilization's spiritual aspirations.
Our competition called upon scholars, students, and enthusiasts to delve into the past, uncovering the stories of divinity, culture, power, and architectural innovation woven into the fabric of temples. We received a remarkable array of essays that not only detailed the architectural features but also depicted the role of temples as a confluence of art, faith, geography, politics, and innovation.
After careful consideration, we are proud to present the top three entries:
FIRST PLACE
Yu ZHANG, Rui MA, Shiyu HE & Fan YU
China
SECOND PLACE
Vanda Trifunović
Croatia
THIRD PLACE
Treshe Singh, Prisha Agarwal, Saachi Thaware Devanga Phukan
India
These winning entries stood out for their exceptional storytelling, insightful analyses, and their ability to transport the reader across time and space, emphasizing the profound impact of architecture on society and culture.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants in the competition. Your narratives have enriched our understanding of temple architecture and have furthered the cause of architectural appreciation and study.
To our readers, we hope that these essays will inspire a renewed reverence for temple architecture and encourage you to embark on your own journeys of exploration through the annals of architecture. The essay will be published on www.archiol.com shortly.
You can access the winners by following this link
May these essays be not an end, but a beginning – of curiosity, of exploration, and of a lifelong journey through the wonders of architecture.
Warm regards,
Team archiol
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