Architecture student scoops national award

Northumbria University student, Carl Harper, has been crowned a winner in a national competition led by leading architectural magazine, Building Design.

The annual competition, recognised as being one of the most important student awards contests nationally, uses a panel of industry experts to select the UK’s best Architecture diploma students.

Five postgraduate students have been selected from over 2000 entries, earning themselves a place on the shortlist for a fully-funded scholarship with the IE (International Excellence) School of Architecture and Design in Madrid.

Carl, who has been studying on Northumbria University’s Postgraduate Architecture course, was chosen for his innovative project designed to challenge environmental concerns relating to the shipping industry. The plan features carefully considered building design incorporating a seaweed farm and fish processing facility.

Professor of Architecture at Northumbria University, Paul Jones, said: “Carl’s project is a response to the adverse environmental impact of the region’s shipping industry. His creative ideas to tackle pollution - involving the use of seaweed as a natural decontaminant - are intelligently incorporated into his architectural designs.

“We always base our student projects in the region, as we feel very lucky to have such diverse geography on our doorstep. As such, Carl’s project is set against the estuary of the River Tees, and seeks to explore the area’s landscape and industrial heritage through design.”

The five chosen graduates will now be invited to compete for a fully-funded year-long scholarship for the Masters Architectural Management and Design programme at the IE School in Madrid. Following a series of interviews, the winner will be announced at the Architect of the Year awards on December 4th at the Brewery, London.

Northumbria University is currently ranked 12th nationally for its Architecture programme and continues to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, providing exciting career prospects for its students. To find out more about Northumbria’s Architecture programme, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/abe.