Submissions Open For Christchurh's Urban Design Scholarships

Submissions are currently being sought from young New Zealand designers, architects and engineers for two travel scholarships aimed at supporting the design and reconstruction of quake-ravaged Christchurch.

The British Council Christchurch Scholarships, in partnership with Massey University, were launched late last year as a way of supporting Christchurch’s redesign and positively transform the living and working experiences of Christchurch inhabitants.

Students of architecture, engineering, industrial design, landscape architecture, planning, spatial design, transport design or urban design, and graduates within three years of leaving study, are invited to submit their forward-thinking urban design ideas for the city.

The two scholarships worth $6000 each will include return airfares to the United Kingdom, accommodation, and knowledge sharing meetings with leading British universities or design firms.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey said he was pleased to be involved in a partnership with the British Council that would have lasting benefits not only for the people of Christchurch but also young designers.

“Excellent design transforms societies and economies in profound ways that even designers cannot fully anticipate,” Mr Maharey said.

“The key, however, is to seize the moment. These scholarships present a vital opportunity for emerging New Zealand designers to tap into international knowledge and expertise during the early redesign phase in Christchurch, and so create a vibrant and dynamic city that embraces innovation, creativity and sustainability.”

British Council New Zealand Country Director, Ingrid Leary, said the scholarship would be awarded to the top submissions that offer concepts for designing a vibrant and resilient society.

“Christchurch offers a unique opportunity for designers to re-think spaces and ultimately develop a new urban and city landscape.”

“We’re looking for original ideas that will reinvigorate the city and place it firmly back on the international map as being a colourful and exciting place to live.”

First stage submissions close on 6 July 2012, with the two scholarship recipients set to be announced on 22 August 2012 at the 6th Australasian Natural Hazards Management Conference at the University of Canterbury. For further information go to http://christchurchscholarships.massey.ac.nz