The winner takes it all. Not just a song but also the motto of today’s world. Our society is made for protagonists. First place counts, the rest are losers. But if we look more careful, we see that 2nd places not only mean that there is only one ahead, but that they are characterized by an intriguing mix of discomfort, fighting spirit, humbleness, resilience and perspective. If something has been traded three, four or more times, it remains ‘secondhand’.  We started with a group investigation, definition, research and mapping exercise exploring the concept of 2nd place, in literature, history and media, and digging into architectural precedents around the world. 

Tutors: Maarten Willems, Ady Steketee