DMU graduate wins international prize for high-rise design

 An Architecture graduate is winning global recognition for his designs which offer a new way of thinking about high-rise living.

Khanh Nyugen, who completed his MArch at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) this summer, won gold in the Eurasian Prize Student Awards for his Vertical Village. Past winners have included some of the most promising talents in architecture.

Instead of blocks of flats or apartments, Khanh’s design combines green spaces, wildlife nectar bars and communal areas which encourage residents to meet and socialise as well as have their own personal living space.

Khanh will travel to Russia next month to collect his gold award, which is judged by a panel of some of the world’s leading architects and design studios. His work will be on display in Yekaterinburg, Russia, at an exhibition of the best entries, which is set to attract 10,000 people.

He said: “I’m very delighted and proud to win this award. It’s not only about self-satisfaction, but also about contributing to bringing the name of DMU to the world in the architecture industry.”



He also reached the semi-finals of a competition to find the best new designs for tall buildings, run by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The contest aims to tackle issues including mass urban living, climate change and social change, as well as technical innovations. Hundreds of students around the world entered the competition and Khanh finished in the top 25.

Khanh praised his tutor, DMU lecturer Yuri Hadi, for encouraging him to enter international competitions which had a broader scope than many student contests in the UK. In particular, Khanh is interested in how tall buildings can be designed better, to improve social connections and offer opportunities to tackle overcrowding in cities.



Khanh, who is from Vietnam, said: “I appreciate Yuri’s guidance which gives me chances to conquer the Architecture world and follow my dream. I submitted my work to the international competitions around the world. I hoped that my idea could be considered and help to improve designs and change lives.”

Entries were judged on factors including sustainability, social awareness, and innovation.

Since graduating from DMU, Khanh has been working for a company called LEOS International and is aiming for a RIBA qualification. He won the Emerge Prize for his design earlier this year.

For the last 15 years, the Eurasian Prize Awards have provided a one-of-a-kind chance for architects and designers to evaluate their skill, expertise and calling.

The statuettes and certificates, awarded to the best professionals and the most promising emerging talents, have helped them gain international acknowledgement and competitive advantage. In 2018, the Eurasian Prize initiative continues to fulfil its mission, providing new opportunities and perspectives.