University of Greenwich students’ grand designs triumph
Graduates from the University of Greenwich have scooped a string of architecture prizes, at home and abroad, in recognition of their innovative designs.
At an awards ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) last week, Francesco Belfiore and Wynne Leung were named as winners of the top prize for new graduates in the President’s Medals Student Awards for their project Invisible University Library.
The pair, who completed BA Hons Architecture earlier this year, beat entrants from architecture schools across the globe to win the Bronze Medal for Part 1 (first degree) category. Judges described their work as “an incredible portfolio” with “beautiful presentation”. The project is set in the Welsh town of Hay on Wye, renowned for its book shops, and explores a gradual shift in contemporary society where the written word transforms into audio culture.
Francesco has won another prize for the same project, chosen as one of the Participants’ Favourites at the Archiprix International 2008, which honours the world’s best graduation projects. The 22-year-old has been invited to participate in the Archiprix conference in Montevideo, Uruguay, 2009, where his work will be exhibited and discussed by architects from around the world.
Francesco says: “It is great satisfaction for us to win the RIBA President’s Bronze Medal as we really enjoyed working on the project.”
Sunand Prasad, President of the RIBA, says: “The President’s Medals awards promote and reward outstanding talent demonstrated in projects emanating from schools of architecture worldwide.”
In a night of success for Greenwich at RIBA, Vladimir Berezovskiy came away with a commendation, also in the new graduates category, for his work Newton’s Third.
Another winner was Stefanos Gkougkoustamos who picked up one of three commendations in the Dissertation category for Voices of Shatila, described by judges as a “measured but powerful account of the experience and history of a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut”. Stefanos studied the Diploma in Architecture and wrote his research under the guidance of Dr Teresa Stoppani.
As well as cash prizes for the RIBA winners, their projects will appear at a public exhibition in London until the end of January, and also go on display next year to a world-wide audience at the 111 RIBA-validated schools in 25 countries.
Masters student Matthew Knight has also had his work recognised in an annual design competition run by the WaterFront Centre in Chicago. The 26-year-old, who completed his postgraduate qualification last month with the submission of his dissertation, has won a student award at the 22nd Annual Excellence on the Waterfront Awards. His project involved the design of a new community park alongside a stretch of the Grand Union Canal in Westbourne Greene, north-east London.
Head of the university’s School of Architecture & Construction, Professor Richard Hayward says: “It is heartening that our consistently enthusiastic and able students and staff work together for such tremendous success.
“This is a special moment for our graduates and I’m sure it will spur them on to even greater achievements. Their success provides pride and encouragement for us all.”
To find out more about studying architecture at the University of Greenwich, call freephone 0800 005 006 or email: courseinfo@gre.ac.uk Alternatively, visit www.gre.ac.uk/schools/arc
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Image caption: Wynne Leung (centre) and Francesco Belfiore (right) with David Gloster, Director of Education at the RIBA.
For images or more information please contact:
Amanda Breen, Public Relations
University of Greenwich
Tel: 020 8331 9420