University News Last updated 20 July 2012
The innovation and creativity applied in Berlin squats inspired an architecture student from Birmingham City University who is now celebrating after her recent success in a UK-wide student architecture award.
33 year old Melisa Ramos Hinojosa from Moseley was shortlisted for this year’s 3DReid Student Prize after submitting her entry for an ‘Eco-Anarchy Centre’. The annual award which is in its seventh year celebrates the best students from universities across the UK.
Inspired by Tacheles - a permanent art squat in Berlin – Melisa’s project explores anarchy as a future architectural phenomenon. The aim being to propose an alternative urban regeneration strategy.
The project is based on one of the largest squatter areas in West Berlin – Kreuzberg – and illustrates how earth, textile and recycled materials could be used for experimental construction.
Melisa, who is originally from Peru recently graduated from the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, part of Birmingham City University, after completing the MArch Riba Part II and was announced winner of the public vote for the £500 ‘People’s Choice’ prize for the most ‘likes’ on Facebook for her project.
Melisa said: “I am delighted to have been shortlisted for the award and to have been announced winner of the public vote. I would like to thank the School of Architecture, my tutors and fellow students for all of their support throughout my time here at Birmingham City University.”