Architecture students celebrate awards success

Northumbria University is celebrating a clean sweep of accolades from the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) North East Student Awards.

Students Justin Chu and Jonathan Dennis, who are studying Architecture at Northumbria University in Newcastle, walked away with both prestigious ‘Hadrian Medals’ at RIBA’s annual student awards ceremony.

The Hadrian Medals reward north east students who demonstrate imagination and ingenuity in relation to a brief. Each year, first prize is offered to students in two categories - Part 1 (BA Architecture) and Part 2 (Masters in Architecture).

Part 1 Architecture student, Justin Chu, tackled the subject of tourism in light of the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels, and the possibilities that architecture can bring to the island through sensitive design.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Dennis was recognised in the Part 2 category for his inspiring cultural project, using design and historical narrative to bring performance art into public spaces.

Professor Paul Jones, Professor of Architecture at Northumbria University said: “All our student projects are set within the North East and we feel incredibly lucky to have such a geographically diverse and historically rich context in which to work.

“Jonathan and Justin are shining examples of the talent that we are proud to nurture, and their work pays homage to some of the exciting possibilities that our region has to offer.”

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.

Amanda McManus, Regional Director, RIBA, said: “We have seen a high number of Architecture graduates from the region go on to forge rewarding careers with world-class practices, making names for themselves both nationally and internationally. The quality of entries for this year’s Hadrian Medals is testament to that talent.

“We anticipate big things from our two award-winners and wish them every success for the future.”

To find out more about Northumbria’s Architecture programme, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/abe.

For further information about RIBA visit www.architecture.com.

Date posted: July 18, 2013