Alumni engagement and philanthropy



RIBA HIGH COMMENDATION FOR QUEEN'S ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE 

06 February 2018

Queen’s 2017 BSc Architecture graduate, Luca Garoli, was awarded a High Commendation in the RIBA President’s Medals – the Institute’s oldest awards – at a ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects in central London in December.  

While the RIBA President’s Medals have been presented since 1836, this is the first time in living memory that a graduate from a School of Architecture at Queen’s has done so well in what are considered to be the most prestigious international awards in architectural education. Entries for 2017, which are exclusively by invitation only, were received from 373 schools of architecture in 71 countries.

The RIBA Bronze Medal judging panel awarded the High Commendation to Luca Garoli for his design work entitled ‘Innovate to Conserve: Whiskey Distillery in Ballycastle’ the focus of the final semester design studio for year three. Luca’s full RIBA submission can be viewed here.

A different judging panel from the UK office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) also chose Luca’s work for a commendation in the SOM UK Foundation Fellowship.

RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: “Many congratulations to this year’s RIBA President’s Medals winners. The entries for this awards programme are always impressive and this year was no exception, with more entries than ever before.

“I am extremely pleased to see that the creativity and accomplished technique in the work of these budding architects is matched with a renewed ambition and focus on the important role that architecture plays in social betterment.

“The passion and intelligence with which these graduates address complex architectural briefs by drawing from personal experiences and involving those for whom their buildings are designed is achieved with remarkable rigour and commitment.

“I very much look forward to following their successful careers.”

The 2017 RIBA President’s Medals exhibition is on display at the RIBA in London until Saturday 10 February, and at RIBA North in Liverpool until 24 February 2018.

Luca graduated in July 2017 with a First Class Honours in BSc Architecture (RIBA & ARB Part 1) and is in his year out placement with Weston Williamson Architects, London.

General inquiries to Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office at Queen’s; tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.

Caption: Alan Jones from Queen’s, Luca Garoli and Ben Derbyshire, incoming President of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

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