WSA graduate scores top RIBA prize

The RIBA’s President’s Medals recognise the world’s best architecture student work

A WSA (Welsh School of Architecture) graduate has been awarded the 2024 RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) President’s Medal Part 1 Serjeant Award for Excellence in Drawing.

Jaehyun Byeon won the prestigious award for his third-year project  Fabricated Identities: The Museum of Faith and Fashion carried out as part of his undergraduate degree in architectural studies.

Jaehyun said: “I’m thrilled to have won this award. The recognition motivates me to continue exploring and pushing the boundaries of architectural expression through drawing.

"A heartfelt thank you to my tutor Alexis Germanos for his invaluable guidance and support. The Designing History module led by Alexis played a significant role in shaping my project and I could not have achieved this award without his exceptional mentorship.”

The President’s Medals are the RIBA’s oldest awards and are regarded as the most prestigious prizes in architectural education globally.

This is a wonderful achievement for Jaehyun and we’re very proud his work has been recognised through this award. As a leading architecture school we place huge importance on creativity and skill in drawing as one of the foundations for excellence in architecture.

“Recognition must also go to Jaehyun’s design tutor, Alexis Germanos, and our Year 3 Chair, Michael Corr, for the outstanding support they provided, as well as to all of our award nominees."

Now an Architectural Assistant at Foster + Partners, Jaehyun’s project examines notions of memory and monumentality and poses questions about architectural heritage in the context of post-war Milan.

In further recognition for the WSA, Professor Davis was selected as part of the distinguished judging panel for the President’s Medal dissertation prizes.

The RIBA Award Ceremony took place in London on 4 December.