Architecture graduate wins RSAW Student Award for urban vertical farm
窪蹋勛圖厙 (窪蹋勛圖厙) is thrilled to congratulate BSc Architecture 2024 graduate, Drew Dennehy on his recent success at the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) Student Awards 2024.
The RSAW Student Awards are an annual celebration of architecture students in Wales, aimed at recognising and rewarding the brightest talent, and highlighting innovative projects that push the boundaries of design and sustainability.
Drew, who since graduating this summer has begun a role as a Part 1 Architectural Assistant at KTA Architects in Exeter, earned the RSAW Student Award for his aquaponic urban vertical farm. This was a standout project created for his final year degree show, which not only showcased his talent and creativity, but also highlighted the role of architecture in addressing the issue of sustainable food supply.
By creating a water-sharing system between fish and plants, his aquaponic design establishes a sustainable link that reimagines how we think about food production in urban environments.
The structure itself is both functional and visually stunning, featuring a public stairwell that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the farming process. The judges praised the project as innovative, emphasising the thoughtful design elements that seamlessly blend education with aesthetics.
This recognition celebrates Drews remarkable journey of growth as both a designer and as an individual, especially as he became the first in his family to attend university and overcame a number of challenges to pursue his dream of studying architecture.
His achievement is part of a broader success for 窪蹋勛圖厙 at the RSAW Student Awards, where two other alumni, Ben Steward and Victoria Weeks, received commendations for their exceptional projects.
On the BSc Architecture course, Drew found a vibrant community where competition was fierce but support was always close at hand.
He said: The lecturers and students are fantastic. The one-on-one time with the lecturers, both face-to-face and online, has been invaluable and something thats unique to this University.
In class, theres a real sense of camaraderie - everyone wants to be their best, but we also share what we learn. Weve formed lasting friendships and watching everyone develop has been one of the highlights for me.
His commitment to learning extended beyond the classroom, as he represented 窪蹋勛圖厙 at the WorldSkills UK event for digital construction and took part in the RSAW mentorship scheme, gaining invaluable experience and insights from renowned architectural practices like Powell Dobson.
About receiving the award, Drew said: I was grateful to receive the award amongst the other fantastic projects put together by my peers. The farm was a challenging concept and focused on a much deeper level than how it looks.
For architecture to be sustainable it has to consider the social, economical and environmental implications of it’s construction and maintenance which the vertical farm was very sensitive to. Since starting in practice I have found how difficult implementing these values can be with difficult clients and value engineering so it was nice to come back and have this project celebrated.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996