Te Herenga Waka students shine at IFLA World Congress in Istanbul

Landscape architecture students Zoe Mason and Lauren Kendon recently represented the University at the 2024 International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) World Congress. Both students participated in the IFLA Student Charrette, where Lauren’s team won for their innovative project.

17 October 2024

Held from 31 August to 3 September at Istanbul Technical University, the IFLA Student Charrette brought together students from around the globe to collaborate on real-world design challenges. Sponsored by the Nava Polman-Gerson Foundation, this year’s Charrette, a prestigious international workshop had the theme, “Cultivating Resilience for All.” The workshop focused on the historic northern land walls of Istanbul, built in the fifth century as part of Constantinople's defenses.

Lauren Kendon’s team, which included Manon Migadel from France, Arda Sakaoğlu from Türkiye, Faisal Alessawi from Saudi Arabia, and Chu-Hsuan Wang from Taiwan emerged victorious with their project: Living Heritage: Revive, Sustain, Connect.

“Our project took a heritage-based approach to reviving the site's history, sustaining the local community, and connecting people with the land, community, and heritage,” says Lauren.

“The Student Charrette was an awesome experience, especially working with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Everyone had something different to bring to the team. It’s great to now have friends around the world in landscape architecture.”

Zoe Mason also reflected positively on the experience at the Congress.

“The IFLA Charrette has been an eye-opening opportunity to explore cultivating and designing for resilience across the globe.

“The IFLA Congress was a great learning experience; we got to listen in on many great talks about landscape architecture from all around the world.”

Both students are participating next in the IFLA Global Studio Program which includes four international Charrettes throughout 2024 and 2025.