Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award for Catharine Ward Thompson from the Edinburgh College of Art
Professor Catharine Ward Thompson is a distinguished figure in landscape architecture, with over four decades of significant contributions to research, education, and public service. Since 1981, she has been a professor at the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, pioneering research in health, well-being, and landscape design. Her global recognition stems from her work’s impact on public policy and health, including advising the World Health Organisation. Her innovative research highlights the role of landscape architecture in enhancing mental and physical health, influencing both academic discourse and practical applications worldwide. Additionally, Professor Ward Thompson’s dedication to mentoring postgraduate students, particularly PhD candidates, at the OpenSpace Research Centre has fostered a dynamic research community. Her involvement with the European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS) and numerous lectures further demonstrate her commitment to advancing the profession. Her lifetime achievements make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.-
Outstanding Educator Award for Henrik Schultz from the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
Henrik Schultz is a standout candidate for the Outstanding Educator Award due to his innovative and practical-based teaching methods in landscape architecture. As a Commissioner for the International English-Language Master’s Program “Land Use Transformation” since 2022, he effectively bridges practice and education. His research projects, such as “EN ROUTE: Rethinking Mobility & Education in Times of Digitalisation & Climate Change,” and “Let’s Walk Urban Landscapes – New Pathways in Design Research,” showcase his commitment to sustainable practices and multidisciplinary approaches. Schultz’s teaching is characterized by creativity and practical engagement, incorporating methods like walking and co-creation. His impact is evident in student evaluations, achievements in competitions, and the visibility of landscape architecture within the university community. His students benefit from his support and imaginative teaching methods, often resulting in awards. Schultz’s ability to translate research into teaching and practice makes him an exemplary educator deserving of this award.
Outstanding Educator Award for Rosalea Monacella from the Harvard Graduate School of Design
Rosalea Monacella is a distinguished candidate for the Outstanding Educator Award due to her innovative and impactful teaching in landscape architecture. As Design Critic at Harvard, where she has taught since 2017, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, and previously at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (2008-2017), Monacella has significantly influenced design studio pedagogy and digital media. Her creative approach to landscape architecture education is widely recognized and supported by enthusiastic testimonials from both former and current students. Monacella is highly sought after as a thesis advisor at Harvard, reflecting her exceptional mentorship and dedication. She has organized pedagogy symposiums, supervised numerous theses and design projects, and presented her work at ECLAS meetings. Her contributions extend beyond the university through her well-regarded book on landscape architecture pedagogy. Monacella’s profound impact on her students and her field make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Outstanding Master Student Award for Alice Futter from the Edinburgh College of Art
Alice Futter is an exemplary candidate for the Outstanding Master Student Award due to her innovative landscape thesis on soil-based fungi at Drumbae, which showcases her exceptional design skills and scientific acumen. As President of both the University of Edinburgh Landscape Society and Mycology Society, Alice has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to her field. Her involvement extends to impactful work applying fungi science to landscape studies and valuable internship experiences. Alice’s dedication to her studies and her broader engagement in university societies and representative roles highlight her as a student who not only excels academically but also contributes significantly to the academic community, making her a deserving recipient of this award.
Outstanding Master Student Award for Ghieth Alkhateeb from the Estonian University of Life Sciences
Ghieth Alkhateeb is an outstanding candidate for the Master Student Award for his insightful and impactful thesis, “Post-Conflict Landscape: Patterns of Change in Physical, Social, and Cultural Landscapes in the Wake of Urban Displacement.” His research explores the profound effects of refugee migration on Syrian cities post-2011, drawing from a decade of personal experience. His rigorous analysis highlights themes such as place attachment, identity, and dependence, and the socio-cultural impact of displacement and conflict. Alkhateeb’s work with the Aga Khan Development Network in Syria and his facilitation of departmental seminars further demonstrate his commitment to applying his research to real-world contexts. His contributions to understanding and addressing post-conflict landscapes through inclusive placemaking and reconciliation practices are invaluable.
