The RIAI Scott Tallon Walker Student Excellence Award for Architecture was set up to encourage the study of contemporary architecture, encourage architectural excellence, facilitate communication between architecture schools, and promote awareness of architecture in society through exhibitions and publications supported by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland. 

Rachel's project stood out among submissions from across the island, highlighting her creativity and deep understanding of urban design principles. Upon receiving the award, Rachel, a recent graduate of MArch Architecture at Queen’s University, shared her excitement:

"I am extremely grateful for this amazing honour and was delighted to attend the RIAI Conference in Dublin to give a short presentation on my work and receive my certificate from the RIAI President Sean Mahon and John Handley from STW."

Rachel's thesis explores the innovative concept of how we can redesign schools, where the school becomes a neighbourhood with ideal learning communities, and the neighbourhood becomes a school, where urban design principles for safety and pedestrianisation turn the school surroundings into a space for children to learn outside of a formal setting. Her work reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and educational design, emphasising the importance of child-friendly cities.

As she says in her thesis, "I hope that this proposal and research can help create a change in this field, and the future of children across the world can benefit from people taking these principals on board in their design methodologies."

This recognition not only celebrates Rachel's individual achievement but also highlights the creative nature and mentorship provided by the architecture programme. Rachel extended her appreciation to her tutors, saying, "Thank you again to my tutors Dr Agustina Martire and Dr Aisling Rusk for their support on this project."

Please join us in congratulating Rachel on this remarkable achievement. Her success serves as an inspiration to current and future students, showing the impact of innovative thinking in addressing real-world urban challenges.

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For enquiries please contact Daria Pudovkina at: d.pudovkina@qub.ac.uk