Landscape architecture students at Writtle University College (WUC) are celebrating success. Dahye Kim, Sunghyun Hong and Lee Kyung Kim won prestigious awards after exhibiting their projects at WUC’s highly regarded Design Degree Show.
The annual event is known for its outstanding quality, within the fields of Art and Design, Landscape Architecture and Garden Design and Professional Floristry.
As always, the show’s opening night attracted industry-leaders, giving students the chance to share their work with potential employers.
Fabrik and Gillespies were among the globally influential organisations representing the landscape architecture sector. Both companies sponsored awards, which were presented by WUC’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Middleton, as part of the Design Degree Show’s private viewing.
The high standard of work on display made it a close competition. The three winners impressed the judges with their professionalism and innovation.
- Sunghyun Hong: Fabrik Undergraduate: Best Innovative and Sustainable Showpiece in Landscape Architecture and Garden Design
- Lee Kyung Kim: Fabrik Postgraduate: Best Innovative and Sustainable Showpiece in Landscape Architecture and Garden Design
- Dahye Kim: Gillespies Best Showpiece in Landscape Architecture and Garden Design 2019
Sustainability and inclusivity were reoccurring themes throughout the show. Sunghyun Hong’s award-winning project focused on accessibility for people with disabilities within his home country of South Korea. He said: “Perhaps the reason my work was chosen by the people in the industry is that it deals with the role of landscape architecture in public welfare.”
Paul French, Technical Director at Fabrick and WUC alumnus, said: “The exhibition showcased the depth of talent on the Landscape Architecture and Garden Design courses at Writtle. The projects were very well presented and included thought provoking ideas and design approaches.
“Fabrik are delighted to have sponsored two awards announced at the opening night. The winning projects displayed innovative design ideas around environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Congratulations to all of the students involved in a successful exhibition.”
WUC alumnus and landscape architect at Gillespies, Stuart Davies, also presented an award on his company’s behalf: “Gillespies are, as always, more than happy to be a part of this special event. Whilst being a significant day for students, it is equally important for us to connect with talented individuals who are the future of the profession.
“Credit is due to the amazing team of lecturers who have pushed their students towards readying them to step into the landscape industry and not least, the students for producing work they can be proud of, work that should fill them with confidence for their future.”
For many of the final year undergraduates and postgraduate students, the exhibition represented the end of their course and years of achievement. It was an opportunity to showcase their skills to their family, friends and to network with WUC’s industry contacts.
Award winner, Dahye Kim, said: “I would never have achieved this result without the help of my tutors. I feel thankful for their support. I believe it is good starting point for the future.”
Frabrik postgraduate winner Lee Kyung Kim added: “It was such an honour to be selected as a candidate by Fabrik. Without all the lectures and other MALA students’ support and help, I could not go through all the hard work. Looking back at my last two years at Writtle, it was not an easy journey but definitely worth the time and effort!”
WUC offers an excellent selection of landscape architecture and garden design courses for undergraduates and postgraduates.