The AfH Student Design Award is an annual design competition for students and 2023 marks our 15th year, having taken a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic.
As well as promoting good design, AfH is committed to encouraging the next generation to become passionate about the quality of design for health and social care settings. And our goal is to celebrate the opportunities for innovation and experimentation and to bring together students from different disciplines to share their creative ideas.
The AfH Student Design Awards 2023 are sponsored by: Ansell + Bailey Architects, Arcadis IBI group, Fleet Architects, Floyd Slaski Architects, HKS, HLM Architects, Llewelyn Davies, Medical Architecture, P+HS Architects, Ryder Architecture, Sonnemann Toon and Stride Treglown.
With Judges drawn from: Arcadis IBI Group, ADP, Atkins, Foster + Partners, HKS, Murphy Philipps, MEDICAL ARCHITECTURE, P+HS Architects, PAUL MURPHY ARCHITECTS, Ryder Architecture, Stride Treglown and White Arkitekter.
Recording from The Kings Fund - 6 July 2023
This recording is available for AfH members only and locked for non-members. Please login to your AfH membership by clicking the button above and the recording will then be available.
AFH STUDENT DESIGN AWARDS 2023 WINNERS
MA Award
16 submissions from:
Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden | Leeds Beckett University | London School of Architecture | Manchester School of Architecture | Northumbria University | University of British Columbia, Canada
Northumbria University
Winner MA Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Very nice and clear context drawings and imagery. Very clear and well-organised drawings and images on Page 2 that show a very rational and functional hierarchy of spaces. • The Craft Incubator images are really fantastic, effectively illustrating a hive of activities and functional zoning of the parti. • The HYEM concept demonstrates some good thinking about modern methods of construction and also upskilling local tradesperson adding further social value to the proposals. • Overall, a well thought out and executed proposal.
Northumbria University
Winner MA Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Very nice and clear context drawings and imagery. Very clear and well-organised drawings and images on Page 2 that show a very rational and functional hierarchy of spaces. • The Craft Incubator images are really fantastic, effectively illustrating a hive of activities and functional zoning of the parti. • The HYEM concept demonstrates some good thinking about modern methods of construction and also upskilling local tradesperson adding further social value to the proposals. • Overall, a well thought out and executed proposal.
Chalmers University of Technology
Highly Commended MA Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
You have clearly considered the impact of the recent pandemic and how this has changed the thinking of healthcare to be able to isolate specific areas to prevent outbreaks. • Sensitive scheme that responds well to the context. The individual clusters are very successful with subtle shifts in form creating interesting spaces and places along the circulation routes. The apartments are very successful with good zoning of living and sleeping areas and a manageable balcony. The roof forms provide good space without being out of proportion. The wider masterplan which is made up of repeating elements creates interest while still maintaining the simple form. • I like the presentation style and the integration with the landscape is very pleasing to see. • The central social gardens are a great idea especially supplemented with the private balcony gardens.
Chalmers University of Technology
Highly Commended MA Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
You have clearly considered the impact of the recent pandemic and how this has changed the thinking of healthcare to be able to isolate specific areas to prevent outbreaks. • Sensitive scheme that responds well to the context. The individual clusters are very successful with subtle shifts in form creating interesting spaces and places along the circulation routes. The apartments are very successful with good zoning of living and sleeping areas and a manageable balcony. The roof forms provide good space without being out of proportion. The wider masterplan which is made up of repeating elements creates interest while still maintaining the simple form. • I like the presentation style and the integration with the landscape is very pleasing to see. • The central social gardens are a great idea especially supplemented with the private balcony gardens.
BA Interior Design Award
12 submissions from:
Heriot-Watt University | University of the Arts London (Chelsea) | University of Huddersfield
University of the Arts London (Chelsea)
Winner BA Interior Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Very clear presentation. Spaces are calm and welcoming. The integration of nature is a lovely idea and a very current topic for healthcare design.• Innovative design response to a field in healthcare which needs addressing. Clear presentation from start to finish with sensitive graphical representation.• From 'hospital ward’ to 'maternal resort'! A worthy endeavour to make childbirth more delightful, introduction of garden space and consideration of materials in the design. It would be interesting to see this design developed further.
University of the Arts London (Chelsea)
Winner BA Interior Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Very clear presentation. Spaces are calm and welcoming. The integration of nature is a lovely idea and a very current topic for healthcare design.• Innovative design response to a field in healthcare which needs addressing. Clear presentation from start to finish with sensitive graphical representation.• From 'hospital ward’ to 'maternal resort'! A worthy endeavour to make childbirth more delightful, introduction of garden space and consideration of materials in the design. It would be interesting to see this design developed further.
University of the Arts London (Chelsea),
Highly Commended BA Interior Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Excellent concept and execution. Innovative, elegant and simple• A specialist theatre for people with disabilities. Well researched and sensitive approach to often overlooked disabilities.• Good project concept of a barrier free theatre for people with disabilities; inclusive design with ramps, a gender-neutral bathroom, and rehearsal spaces for people with disabilities. There is a thorough analysis of the thought process and inspiration including silent movies that led to the design. Excellent publicity image, good to see lots of wheelchair users in the image of the theatre and ramps provided throughout to allow for accessibility.
University of the Arts London (Chelsea),
Highly Commended BA Interior Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Excellent concept and execution. Innovative, elegant and simple• A specialist theatre for people with disabilities. Well researched and sensitive approach to often overlooked disabilities.• Good project concept of a barrier free theatre for people with disabilities; inclusive design with ramps, a gender-neutral bathroom, and rehearsal spaces for people with disabilities. There is a thorough analysis of the thought process and inspiration including silent movies that led to the design. Excellent publicity image, good to see lots of wheelchair users in the image of the theatre and ramps provided throughout to allow for accessibility.
BA Interior Architecture and Design Award
11 submissions from:
Arts University Bournemouth | Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University,
Winner BA Interior Architecture and Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
The modular intervention, which is intertwined with the existing building fabric was a winning concept and showed an innovative approach to the use of the available internal space. The overall presentation was consistently of high quality and easy to understand showing the depth of thought put into the design response.
Leeds Beckett University,
Winner BA Interior Architecture and Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
The modular intervention, which is intertwined with the existing building fabric was a winning concept and showed an innovative approach to the use of the available internal space. The overall presentation was consistently of high quality and easy to understand showing the depth of thought put into the design response.
Leeds Beckett University,
Highly Commended BA Interior Architecture and Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Wonderful perspective sections and plans which are consistent and complement one another showing a good understanding of how the internal space can be utilised and experienced by the users.
Leeds Beckett University,
Highly Commended BA Interior Architecture and Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Wonderful perspective sections and plans which are consistent and complement one another showing a good understanding of how the internal space can be utilised and experienced by the users.
Arts University Bournemouth
Highly Commended BA Interior Architecture and Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Well thought out and clear to understand presentation. Notable thought given to the user experience as they progress along the pier through the interventions, as well as consideration given to inclusivity for disabled persons etc.
Arts University Bournemouth
Highly Commended BA Interior Architecture and Design Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Well thought out and clear to understand presentation. Notable thought given to the user experience as they progress along the pier through the interventions, as well as consideration given to inclusivity for disabled persons etc.
BA Architecture | BA Landscape Architecture | B Eng Architecture Award
9 submissions from:
Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Turkey | Northumbria University | University of Greenwich | Xi’An Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
Xi’an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Winner BA Architecture | BA Landscape Architecture | B Eng Architecture Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Evocative images of thoughtful scheme considered at a number of scales. • Graceful proposal with convincing forms and layouts. Appropriate imagery reinforces a solid proposal. • Confident design. Interesting, curved plan.
Xi’an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Winner BA Architecture | BA Landscape Architecture | B Eng Architecture Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Evocative images of thoughtful scheme considered at a number of scales. • Graceful proposal with convincing forms and layouts. Appropriate imagery reinforces a solid proposal. • Confident design. Interesting, curved plan.
Xi’an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Highly Commended BA Architecture | BA Landscape Architecture | B Eng Architecture Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Holistic response described clearly through evolutionary design process. • Well considered, thoroughly explored proposal which remains consistent with its language in plan, section and elevation. Seductive form and imagery. • Engages with nature. Appreciate the rationale behind the architecture. Some attractive spaces.
Xi’an Jiaotong - Liverpool University
Highly Commended BA Architecture | BA Landscape Architecture | B Eng Architecture Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Holistic response described clearly through evolutionary design process. • Well considered, thoroughly explored proposal which remains consistent with its language in plan, section and elevation. Seductive form and imagery. • Engages with nature. Appreciate the rationale behind the architecture. Some attractive spaces.
the overall awards
Best Drawing
University of Manchester
Winner Best Drawing
JUDGES COMMENTS
Some of the images are executed extremely well and the overall concept. • Conceptual Isometric. Really beautiful drawings. The journey the 'users' go on is well explained. The retreat and different spaces contained in it have been considered in detail. • The drawings and design responses are impressive.
University of Manchester
Winner Best Drawing
JUDGES COMMENTS
Some of the images are executed extremely well and the overall concept. • Conceptual Isometric. Really beautiful drawings. The journey the 'users' go on is well explained. The retreat and different spaces contained in it have been considered in detail. • The drawings and design responses are impressive.
Xi-An Jiaotong – Liverpool University
Winner Best Drawing
JUDGES COMMENTS
Excellent use of graphics to convey the concept of a very thoughtful approach. • Beautifully illustrated, captivating and amusing. A wonderful, thoughtful proposal with great balance and poise.
Xi-An Jiaotong – Liverpool University
Winner Best Drawing
JUDGES COMMENTS
Excellent use of graphics to convey the concept of a very thoughtful approach. • Beautifully illustrated, captivating and amusing. A wonderful, thoughtful proposal with great balance and poise.
best concept
London School of Architecture
Winner Best Concept
JUDGES COMMENTS
The ambition of the project to integrate physical and mental health is good and to see this utilised in the community setting is a positive approach to removing the stigma of mental health care. • Very interesting proposal and thesis topic looking at physical and mental health and how to integrate into the city, destigmatising mental health and confronting a growing issue. • It's a great ambition to mix mental and physical health along with community functions in a shared setting. • The concept is very interesting, collocating various aspects of traditional and holistic care.
London School of Architecture
Winner Best Concept
JUDGES COMMENTS
The ambition of the project to integrate physical and mental health is good and to see this utilised in the community setting is a positive approach to removing the stigma of mental health care. • Very interesting proposal and thesis topic looking at physical and mental health and how to integrate into the city, destigmatising mental health and confronting a growing issue. • It's a great ambition to mix mental and physical health along with community functions in a shared setting. • The concept is very interesting, collocating various aspects of traditional and holistic care.
Judges Special Award
University of Greenwich
Winner Judges Special Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Addressing negative impact of social media by exposure to bacteria that triggers serotonin. • Terrific analysis with real depth, resulting in a convincing and professional proposal. • Fascinating conceptual approach. Would like to have understood more about the final design solution and the user experience.
University of Greenwich
Winner Judges Special Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Addressing negative impact of social media by exposure to bacteria that triggers serotonin. • Terrific analysis with real depth, resulting in a convincing and professional proposal. • Fascinating conceptual approach. Would like to have understood more about the final design solution and the user experience.
Susan Francis award for art + architecture
Northumbria University
Winner Sue Francis Award for Art + Architecture
JUDGES COMMENTS
An interesting and innovative concept - and a beautifully resolved scheme. Intersection of art, architecture and wellbeing are central to this project. • For using art in the briefing stage to inform the project's direction and for integrating art therapy and display as central themes in the functional content and experience of the facility.
Northumbria University
Winner Sue Francis Award for Art + Architecture
JUDGES COMMENTS
An interesting and innovative concept - and a beautifully resolved scheme. Intersection of art, architecture and wellbeing are central to this project. • For using art in the briefing stage to inform the project's direction and for integrating art therapy and display as central themes in the functional content and experience of the facility.
best presentation in the student seminar
Northumbria University
Winner MA Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Very nice and clear context drawings and imagery. Very clear and well-organised drawings and images on Page 2 that show a very rational and functional hierarchy of spaces. • The Craft Incubator images are really fantastic, effectively illustrating a hive of activities and functional zoning of the parti. • The HYEM concept demonstrates some good thinking about modern methods of construction and also upskilling local tradesperson adding further social value to the proposals. • Overall, a well thought out and executed proposal.
Northumbria University
Winner MA Award
JUDGES COMMENTS
Very nice and clear context drawings and imagery. Very clear and well-organised drawings and images on Page 2 that show a very rational and functional hierarchy of spaces. • The Craft Incubator images are really fantastic, effectively illustrating a hive of activities and functional zoning of the parti. • The HYEM concept demonstrates some good thinking about modern methods of construction and also upskilling local tradesperson adding further social value to the proposals. • Overall, a well thought out and executed proposal.
