Published:
An Interior Architecture and Design student has made the finals of the prestigious Royal Society of Arts and Design Awards.
Chung Hang Chiu – also known as Jason - was selected from over 300 global entries and is competing with students from Brunel University, Salzburg University and the University of Nottingham, amongst others.
The RSA Student Design awards are globally run and known as the 'world's longest running design competition'. The competition invites students to focus on solutions to pressing, real world, contemporary issues and challenges.
Professor Fiona Waldron, Head of School, said: “Being shortlisted in itself is a major achievement, and we wish Jason all the best for his final interview.”
Jason's project focused on the brief Eat, Share, Live and proposes solutions to the pragmatic and social aspects of kitchen use.
His proposal offered a review of how we understand kitchen spaces, leading to proposed 'self-assembled' kitchens designed to encourage greater social interaction, meet sustainable needs and be easily available and deployable for use in disaster relief zones.
Jason noted inclusivity and sustainability as key concepts that motivated and informed his final design.
During his studies Jason initially attended an RSA workshop in Dundee, led by kitchen designer Johnny Gray, and then attended a Skype session with the RSA to learn more about the Royal Society of Arts and the brief.
The design student also worked in Dubai with the Dubai cohort of the programme, gathering feedback and views on his proposal. Upon his return, Jason then worked with lecturers to improve and enhance his project – which led to its submission and then shortlisting.
The final of the acclaimed awards takes place in London in May. Winners receive an industry award from one of the project sponsors which includes: The office for disability issues, AEG and Symphony amongst others.
The RSA project is part of the new MA Interior Architecture and Design programme.