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Nhung Pham, a graduate from Aalto University, has received the Wuorio Prize awarded by the Finnish Association of Architects (SAFA) for the best diploma thesis in the field of architecture. Her thesis deals with the adaptability of housing in different life situations, using gameplay. The prize was awarded at the Architect Day event held in Helsinki on Friday, April 4, 2025.

In her diploma thesis The Game of Life: Exploring Play as an in-depth qualitative housing preference study method to uncover users’ tacit knowledge towards spatial modification in response to life changes, Nhung Pham developed a game to study the adaptability of housing. Players modify their imaginary homes using a model-like game board, according to changing life situations.

'The work cleverly highlights residents’ tacit knowledge as a resource for design. Housing adaptability is always a timely topic. The project has a solid theoretical foundation and the housing game has been implemented in a fun and inventive way', explains architect Mikki Ristola, partner at AOR Architects, who selected the finalists. 'The subject and the use of the game as a participatory design tool have been thoroughly grounded in background analysis. The games are beautifully illustrated and the interviews and discussions with players have been precisely documented.'

Gaming reveals hidden preferences 

‘Housing planning has been my passion since the beginning of my studies. As environmental and energy crises worsen and natural resources become increasingly scarce, understanding flexible housing is particularly important,’ Pham says. 

According to Pham, a deep understanding of residents' behaviours is key to designing functional housing solutions. The game was chosen as a research tool because it offers, according to Pham, an effective way to bring out hidden behaviours that go unnoticed in everyday life.

‘Games can simulate real situations. As a player, you can also act more freely and reveal preferences without external pressures,’ Pham says.

Pham Nhung's work was supervised by architect Antti Lehto and guided by Anne Tervo.

is granted annually to the creator of the most acclaimed diploma thesis. Each of the three universities offering architecture education selects the best architectural diploma thesis for nomination. 

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