Lincoln Students Win International Awards at Interior Design Competition

Three students from the University of Lincoln, UK have won international acclaim across the Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards (APIDA) and Singapore Interior Design Awards (SIDA) for their research informed interior designs which address social and environmental issues.

The students are from the Interior Architecture and Design partnership programme between the University of Lincoln and the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), Hong Kong. This course allows students to study the Lincoln curriculum, ranked 3^rd in the UK for graduate outcomes in the Complete University Guide 2024, from Hong Kong campuses.

Dr Zakkiya Khan, Link Tutor for BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at the University of Lincoln, and Victor Serrano, Programme Coordinator for BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design at VTC/ SHAPE, worked with the successful students. Zakkiya said: “We are extremely proud of our graduates in the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design partnership programme between University of Lincoln and VTC/SHAPE, Hong Kong.

“Our curriculum emphasis on research informed design and student-led projects results in an annual outcome of diverse project topics concerned with expressing social and environmental justice through interior architecture and design.

“Our award-winning graduates of 22-23 cohort have been exemplary students, showcasing their own creativity and achievements by fully engaging in the programme’s potential. It has been an honour leading their programme and we look forward to following their successes in their careers.”

Alexandra HUI Tsz Shan achieved a Silver Award in the APIDA for her project titled Seeking which presents an original rehabilitation centre. The building is designed to reflect the 12-step therapy process with the unique ‘Rising Whirlpool’ feature at the heart of the building guiding individuals step-by-step towards self-discovery and healing.

Alexandra said: “Winning the APIDA prize affirmed my passion for interior design, boosted my confidence, and fuelled my aspirations to create innovative and sustainable spaces that positively impact people’s lives. It inspired me to establish myself as a respected and influential designer in the industry.”

Austin CHAN Man Hon achieved a Bronze Award in the APIDA for his design, City of Oasis, which aims to improve urbanites’ physical and mental health by providing a highly green living space in our concrete forest.

Austin said: “Throughout the design process, I constantly thought about bringing users a whole new experience; I tried to redefine the connection between human activities and the environment; I carefully considered the details of human behaviour, profile, material, texture, lighting, sounds, smells, etc.”

Mike HUI Wing Leung achieved the Honorary Award for Best in Public Space Design in the Youth Category SIDA with his project Mixed Use Animal Welfare Centre. The design aims to increase the adoption rate of stray dogs by provoking visitors and passers-by to wonder and reflect on the relationship between the culture of consumerism and animal abandonment.

Mike said: “It’s so heart-warming to receive the honorary affirmation from the professional field for my socially-focused project. I believe that such generous recognition will be instrumental for the humble yet momentous launch of my career, allowing me to contribute as a spatial designer in the institutional and civic realm.”

APIDA is organised by Hong Kong Interior Design Association (HKIDA) and has run since 1992 to promote professional standards and ethics in the industry and also give high recognition to outstanding interior design projects and designers. SIDA was established in 2017 by the Society of Interior Designers, Singapore (SIDS) and is already the most established interior design award in the country. APIDA and SIDA are both open to interior design professionals worldwide, making them intensely contested awards.