Landscape Architecture student wins the Vectorworks International Scholarship

Hannah Merrett-Kaufman won the award for her work “Retrofitting for the Symboscience”

14 December 2023

Hannah’s submission “proposes a new era focused on living in harmony with nature and fostering symbiotic relationships with ecosystems.

“Through reintroducing native plants and diversifying monocultures, the goal is to restore balance and promote habitats for local wildlife."

The project seeks to revitalise water and land ecosystems while connecting people to the water through immersive experiences.

By integrating a Rongoā garden, the project aims to foster a symbiotic relationship between people and nature, promoting a sense of identity and responsibility towards the land.”

Landscape students were asked to submit designs that ‘enrich our outdoor spaces to tie the natural and built environments together.’ Hannah’s design thoughtfully connected natural and built elements to create a space for restoration, education, and connection.

Hannah says her design incorporates storytelling elements symbolizing protection by a taniwha (guardian spirit) and utilises sculptural lighting displays as wayfinding markers. Contemplation and rest spaces also allow people to connect with the stars and learn about Māori tales.”

The Vectorworks International Scholarship was highly competitive this year, with over 1000 students applying and only 21 awarded.

While Hannah initially did not tell anyone she had applied for the scholarship, she acknowledges her teachers and peers' significant role in her success.

“Winning the Vectorworks International Scholarship is an exceptional honour, and I am deeply grateful for the recognition.

The significance of being selected for this award extends beyond personal achievement—it is a testament to the amazing teaching support I have received from my professors, tutors, and fellow students during my studies to whom I am really grateful.”

Hannah plans to continue her studies through the Master of Landscape Architecture.

“This is something I am very excited about as it offers an invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into the intricate relationships between people and nature, and to explore innovative ways of designing spaces that enhance this relationship.”

Hannah also hopes to become a tutor in the coming years to inspire and guide future students.

The scholarship winners received the equivalent of up to USD 3,000 in their local currency. Winners’ schools also receive free Vectorworks Design Suite software and virtual workshop training for faculty and students.

“This award is a personal milestone and a pivotal moment in my professional journey. I anticipate that the exposure and opportunities it affords will be crucial in shaping my career, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the field, and continue advocating for sustainable, community-centric design practices” says Hannah.

To add to her accolades, Hannah was also one of five landscape architecture students that recently tied for first place in the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) Student Design Competition.

To find out more about Hannah’s submission, head to https://www.vectorworks.net/scholarship/winners.