The dissertation by Fay Al Khalifa, from Sheffield University’s IHBC-recognised Masters in ‘Conservation and Regeneration’, heads the list of winners announced in the RIBA President’s Awards for Research 2013, which recognises high-quality research and fosters innovation and strategic thinking by promoting it across the wider profession.
Fay’s dissertation, ‘An urban healing agenda for reform in Bahrain: where the dweller falls into the urban gap and the sailing boat hits the skyscraper’ won the RIBA President’s Award for Outstanding Master’s Degree Thesis.
Dr Jo Lintonbon, programme coordinator for the MA in Conservation and Regeneration (MACR) at Sheffield University School of Architecture, a course that has achieved ‘Full recognition’ by the IHBC, said that Fay had excelled as a student in the inaugural year of the Conservation and Regeneration programme, and was a highly deserving winner of the RIBA award.
Graduates of conservation courses fully recognised by the IHBC, such as Sheffield’s MACR, may apply for accreditation as a Full Member of the IHBC after only two years of relevant professional practice as opposed to the usual five years. IHBC recognised courses are advertised on the IHBC’s website and in its Yearbook.
The RIBA judges wrote of Fay’s award-winning essay: ‘Al Khalifa successfully tackled the implications of rapid change in Bahrain in a post-oil world in this well executed study. Although the struggle to find people willing to contribute is evident, the author has been able to consult with key players including the Bahrain Ministry of Culture and the University of Bahrain. This sophisticated MA is full of astute observations and recommendations; a relevant and important topic tackled well.’
Other awards this year demonstrate the critical role conservation and heritage increasingly play in cutting-edge research and thinking across professional architectural priorities:
The RIBA writes:
RIBA President’s Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis
Winner: Ricardo Agarez of the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, for ‘Regionalism, Modernism and Vernacular Tradition in the Architecture of the Algarve, Portugal, 1925 – 1965.’
The RIBA judges write: The level of rigour in Agarez’ thesis was impressive, with the student searching every planning application and building control entry in libraries over a 40 year period, leading to a total of over 700 referenced cases. The narrative of the thesis records the development of the student’s ideas and maturation as a researcher, making it an engaging read.
Commendation: Yara Sharif of the University of Westminster for PhD by design: ‘Searching for spaces of possibilities and spaces of imagination within the Palestinian/Israeli conflict’.
The RIBA judges write: A personal and emotional PhD topic to the author, the judges were pleased to read a study so engaged with the resolution of the issues.
RIBA President’s Awards for Outstanding University-located Research
Winner: Adrian Forty of The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL for his book ‘Concrete and Culture, a Material History’.
The RIBA judges write: The book approaches concrete – a material often despised but with incredible potential – from an aesthetic and social stance rather than a technical one. It uses clever examples and is well-written. The judges consider the book an enjoyable read and a significant achievement.
Commendation: Wayne Forster of Cardiff University for ‘Affordable housing system from locally grown softwoods: Ty Unnos’.
The RIBA judges write: The judges commended this research for being ahead of its time and with significant levels of rigour, integrity and value. This accessible work was admirable in the researchers’ adherence to the research aims, while accommodating the briefs and needs of the project sponsors.
RIBA President’s Awards for Outstanding Practice-located Research
Winner: Bill Dunster of the ZED Factory for ZEDlife.
The RIBA judges write: The judges were impressed by this important portfolio of work, praising it for its scope, scale and ambition. The emergent critical process was excellently communicated via the journey through the various pioneering projects around the world.
RIBA President, Stephen Hodder said: ‘Congratulations to this year’s winning and commended works, your research is highly valued across the profession and the wider built environment industry. Investment and recognition of research into architecture is vital, it provides a lasting legacy for society and reminds us all of the importance of innovation and strategic thinking in our everyday work.’
Chair of the Judging Panel, Greg Penoyre of Penoyre & Prasad said: ‘The 2013 Presidents Awards for Research shortlist were another wide ranging and high quality set of submissions representing an immense amount of work. Across the four categories the panel reviewed research ranging from the theoretical and historical to the technical and design led. As always choosing the winners meant difficult decisions. The submissions led to healthy discussions in the panel meetings around the relationship of research and architectural design. There is no doubt this is an important issue, with research nourishing practice and increasingly, practice actively involved in research. The panel were pleased to give awards and commendations to this years’ list of successful candidates.’
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