Rachel Murphy, a Part One Architectural Assistant currently on placement with Hamilton Architects, has been recognised as a rising star of architecture by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
Rachel was Commended in RIAI Rising Stars of Irish Architecture Awards – Student Award for Sustainable Design, for her project ‘The Healing Gardens’.
“There was a huge number of entrants for the competition from throughout Ireland, so I am delighted to have won this Commendation,” said Rachel. “The award was all about sustainability, so it is especially gratifying that my project ticked all the boxes for the judges.
“The project featured reclaimed handmade bricks, geothermal heating, plants indigenous to the local environment, and glazing which minimised heat loss while offering occupants a window into the gardens and courtyard.”
A spokesman for the RIAI said: “Architects are making an important contribution to our built environment, our culture, society and economy. The RIAI is delighted to support and promote the next generation through our Awards schemes.”
The brief response for the Sustainable Design Award included a healing centre for vulnerable patients within an environment where biodiversity offers an important focus on the patient’s recovery.
The judges commented: “Rachel’s project combines the strategy of shallow plan design which accommodates good natural ventilation and daylighting, with considered material selection and sourcing, together with a strategy that preserves many of the site’s existing features.”
Rachel, who is also a part-time artist, was delighted that the RIAI Future Award went to Laurence Lord, one of her tutors at QUB.
For a video about the awards, click on: https://www.riai.ie/whats-on/news/the-riai-announces-the-winners-of-the-future-award-and-student-awards-2021
