Corus Undergraduate Design Awards

South Bank University’s winning structures entry.

The winners of this year’s Corus Undergraduate Design Awards, which was held at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium in London on 13 July, were London South Bank University and the University of Edinburgh.

The national awards were divided into two categories. The first – Structural Steelwork – challenged students to design a lifeboat launching station, while the second category – Steel Bridge Design – required them to come up with a solution for a twin-track railway bridge crossing a major river.

For the Structural Steelwork category the outline brief instructed students that at a very substantial financial bequest, the RNLI is to construct a new slipway launched lifeboat station. The client demands a departure from traditional appearance and the structure is to be located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The functional requirements for housing, launching and recovery of the lifeboat had to be met.

STRUCTURES: Pictured left to right with students: Alistair Hughes (Chair of Structures judging panel), Dr Stephen Vary (Southbank University) and far right Colin Smart (Corus)

The brief for the Steel Bridge Design category stipulated that as part of the new infrastructure required for the 2012 Olympic Games, a new light railway is planned. Entrants have been retained as a consultant to carry out the feasibility study for a new bridge and the client seeks a cost-effective and elegant structure.

More than 40 teams entered the competition, reflecting the work of students from 16 UK universities.

Martin Reynolds, David Searle, Tony Denby and Tim Myoe Oe from London South Bank University took the first prize in the Structural Steelwork category, while Jonathan Narro, Rebecca Churnside, Gregor Sleigh, Charley Philips, Ruaridh Mackay from the University of Edinburgh won the Steel Bridge design category.

Second and third prizes were also awarded in each category, with winners sharing a total prize fund of £5,000.

BRIDGES: Pictured with winning students left to right: Chairman of Bridges judges Barry Mawson, Dr Tim Stafford (University of Edinburgh) and far right Chris Dolling (Corus)

David Brown, Steel Construction Institute (SCI) Deputy Director and an Undergraduate Design Awards judging panel member, said: “This years competition received an unprecedented level of interest and the judges were impressed by the general high standard of entries. The two design briefs gave students enough scope to show their creative side and we certainly were not disappointed. All of the successful teams demonstrated their design skills in an innovative and effective way – painting a positive picture for the future of structural engineering.”

Alan Todd, Corus Construction Services and Development General Manager was also impressed with this year’s entries and added: “Corus is committed to fostering and developing the engineering talent of the future. The Undergraduate Design Awards were created to reward excellence, allow undergraduates to receive recognition outside of the education sector and also help them develop the skills needed in the professional arena. We are proud that the competition is now in its 19th year and look forward to supporting more students in the future.”

Edinburgh University’s winning bridge entry.

Winners of architectural awards announced 

Anthony Lau with his winning entry.

At a ceremony held at London’s Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on 12 July, Anthony Lau, a student from Bartlett School of Architecture collected the first prize at this year’s Corus Architectural Student Awards (CASA) with his creative solution demonstrating how steel homes can be used within a changing environment.

Climate change and its effect on rising sea levels was this year’s competition theme. Students were tasked with designing a creative housing solution, using steel, which will benefit a community living in an area either threatened by unpredictable water levels or permanently on water.

Second prize was awarded to a team from the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland, with joint third prize going to four other undergraduate teams and individuals. Winners share a total prize fund of £5,000 and their entries will be on display at RIBA, alongside an exhibition of other work.

Brian Avery, Design Director of Avery Associates and a CASA judging panel member, commented: “The standard of entries was exceptional. All of the winners showed not only a huge commitment to the challenge of climate change, but also a quality of architectural thought and presentation that was truly inspirational.”

The Warsaw University of Technology’s team.

Meanwhile, Steve Thompson, Senior Architect at Corus and fellow CASA judging panel member, added: “The CASA awards is a celebration of excellence in architecture, rewarding talent and encouraging debate on the global issues that will undoubtedly affect the way that we design. Corus strongly believes in supporting the next generation of architects and this competition is part of a portfolio of initiatives that will give UK and international students the encouragement they need.”