Winner of the Arkus Essay Award


In 2023, Erik Rydiander won the national Arkus Essay Competition with his text “The Needs of Grown Children.”

The essay explores how architecture can nurture curiosity, playfulness, and a sense of mystery — qualities often lost in adulthood but essential to a meaningful environment.

The competition jury included leading architectural writers and researchers such as Kris Johnson-Jones, Mark Isitt, Malin Zimm, and Olof Philipson.

Listen to the text on spotify bellow.

Fields and Sky – Competition Entry for “Mellanrummet”

Fields and Sky was Erik Rydiander’s proposal for the Swedish architecture competition Mellanrummet, exploring the space between tradition and modern identity.

The installation draws inspiration from the flat landscapes of southern Sweden — where earth and sky dominate — and asks what remains when we move beyond the romantic image of the countryside.

Using simple timber structures and local color references, the design transforms the courtyard of Hedmanska gården into a contemporary meeting place for markets, exhibitions, and everyday interaction.

It reflects on how collective memory, craftsmanship, and light continue to shape our sense of place.