OnFocus

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched the call for nominations for this year’s RIBA President’s Medals Student Awards. The Institute is inviting 300 schools of architecture in 64 countries to nominate up to two design projects for the Part I (Bronze Medal), up to two design projects for the Part II (Silver Medal), and one dissertation for the Dissertation Medal from student work produced during the 2011/12 academic year.

"The RIBA President’s Medals Student Awards are a fantastic way for the next generation of architects to shine and be seen," said Angela Brady, President of RIBA. "I am delighted to be part of this global competition where we celebrate tomorrow’s talent and highlight our very best students."

The President has rewarded the design work of a talented student since the 1850s. In the 1980s, the Institute introduced a Bronze Medal to reward design work produced at Part I while the Silver Medal was reserved for Part II students. In 2001, a Dissertation Medal was added to this list of student awards.

The aim of these prestigious awards is to promote excellence in the study of architecture, to reward talent and to encourage architectural debate world-wide. Past RIBA President’s Medallists include David Adjaye, Isabel Allen, Sean Griffiths, Simon Hudspith, Mouzhan Majidi, and Ole Scheeren.

Eligibility

The President’s Medals awards invite nominations from schools of architecture that offer courses validated by the RIBA world-wide.

For the last few years, a selection of schools with non-validated courses have been invited to nominate entries by paying an entry fee.

Prize

Each year, the judging panels select up to 16 entries that receive awards. Medals are awarded in three categories: the Bronze Medal for best design project at Part 1; the Silver Medal for best design project at Part 2 and the Dissertation Medal. In addition, there is a maximum of three commendations in each category.

The winners receive their awards in a prestigious ceremony held at the RIBA in December of each year. Over 400 people attend the awards ceremony.