On 2 December, Master of Architecture (MArch) RIBA Pt II graduate Robert Beeny was announced as the winner of the RIBA Silver Medal for the best design project produced at RIBA Part 2 or equivalent for his work titled Devil’s Valley Geothermal Co-operative.
In 2020, the RIBA President’s Medals received their highest ever number of entries in their 184-year-old history, with 336 entries nominated by 118 schools located in 32 countries.
Beeny’s project titled Devil’s Valley Geothermal Co-operative is based on an area of Tuscany, Italy, known as the Devil’s Valley, which has become well-established for its production of renewable and geothermal energy. Robert’s design project proposes a new rural self-build development that protects the livelihood of local communities that relay on the renewable energy source. The development is powered by a geothermal well, with a pipeline and manufacturing spaces cascading down the valley landscape.
His work attempts to regain control of the region’s socio-economic future by imagining a new rural cooperative that is powered independently by the development he has imagined, enabling artisans to produce traditional food and drink using clean, residual thermal energy extracted deep from the earth. This produce of food and drink all link to a terraced landscape and is structured according to the temperature of each use, as temperatures degrade along the cascading pipeline of the development. The architecture of the co-operative becomes lighter and more open as a greenhouse typology becomes more prevalent.
Amy Bettinson was awarded a Commendation in the RIBA Dissertation Medal category for her work titled A Laboratory for Contextualism, which studies the controversial high-density modernist flat blocks across London which were inserted into gaps left by bombings. The dissertation aimed to reclaim this forgotten heritage, and to shine a light on the work of a neglected group of architects.
Talking about his award, Robert Beeny said: “To be recognised by the RIBA in this way is an incredible honour and truly humbling. This award is the benchmark for excellence within architectural education across the world and so I am extremely proud to represent the University of Westminster in this manner. I would like to send my sincere gratitude to my tutors, Anthony Boulanger, Stuart Piercy and Callum Perry for their everlasting encouragement and guidance as well Professor Harry Charrington, Sean Griffiths and Richard Difford for their support.”
Professor Harry Charrington, Head of the School of Architecture + Cities at the University of Westminster, said: “Robert being awarded the Silver Medal is a great end to what has been a very difficult year. The School of Architecture + Cities strives to offer a transformative education for all, and to support and encourage the talent of our diverse student body studying at every level. Rob’s project sits at the top of this, and is an even more remarkable achievement for the very trying circumstances in which it was wrought. The project is testament to his talent and those who have taught him, and its imagination and rigour points a direction for all of us seeking to make a better, more sustainable, environment.”
RIBA President Alan Jones added: “I am inspired by the range of exceptional proposals with climate emergency, ethics, equity and social purpose at the heart of their investigation and problem solving. The RIBA President’s Medals continue to acknowledge work of the highest calibre, and technical and social relevance, essential to future architects wishing to tackle our global challenges. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and thank you to the schools of architecture and the tutors, who have educated and nurtured their talent.”
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