The RIBA President’s Medal, established in 1836, is one of the highest global honors in architectural education and industry, awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by undergraduate, graduate, and young architects, with a particular focus on the most creative and exceptional graduation designs and innovative projects. Over the years, the award winners have been exemplary figures in the global architecture community, enjoying high industry influence and recognition. This year, over 1,200 students from universities worldwide were nominated, setting a new historical record. However, only five students received the award.

The Fusion of Ethnicity and Global Perspectives: Drawing Inspiration from Tradition.

Dilikeremu’s design is inspired by the traditional Uyghur residential structure, the Aiwan, which he integrates into the modern urban context of Shanghai. The Aiwan is a traditional house from Xinjiang, meaning “a bright place” in Uyghur, and is a summer room with a skylight. Dilikeremu describes how his grandmother's house is designed in the Aiwan style. This type of architecture consists of two rooms, front and back; the front room is open and features a skylight, with green grapevines climbing on a decorative lattice wall, allowing sunlight to filter through. The back room is more enclosed, making it suitable for winter living. This design blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a semi-indoor, semi-outdoor space that offers a unique experience of harmony between humans and nature.

In the contemporary context, Dilikeremu explored whether the fusion of ethnic and global perspectives could be reflected or enhanced through architectural design. Throughout the design process, he extensively researched traditional Uyghur carpet patterns and forms of gathering, using contemporary architectural techniques to re-interpret traditional spaces in a way that suited the neighborhood relations of the site.

“In the fast-paced urban life, the desire for a connection with nature remains strong. This longing reminds me of my hometown in Xinjiang and the Aiwan architecture,” he explained. This bold creativity, combined with a profound cultural background, gave the design both artistic depth and uniqueness, which was key to Aiwan: A Gathering Place to stand out as a inspirational project.

A "Natural Leader" in the Eyes of His Mentor.

During Dilikeremu's architectural studies, Yimeng Wang from the Department of Architecture and Built Environment, FoSE, provided guidance for his selection of his graduation project, and gave essential advice and emotional support helping him to find the balance between ethnicity and modernity in his project. Wang noticed that Dilikeremu not only exhibited excellent teamwork skills but also took on leadership responsibilities at critical moments, becoming a core driver of the team. 

A Teaching Environment Focused on Freedom and Practice: Supporting the Birth of Innovative Designs

UNNC’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Department of Architecture and Built Environment provide students with a learning platform that fosters cross-cultural and active learning experiences. Students are encouraged to develop independent thinking and design styles based on their own interests. The support of a diverse and experienced faculty team plays a crucial role in inspiring students and sparking their creativity. One of the core modules of the curriculum is the Architecture Design Studio, where students not only produce their designs but also engage in in-depth discussions lasting up to 16 hours each week with mentors and peers, facilitating multi-layered exchanges and collisions of ideas. Many students consider the studio their second home, and it is in this open academic environment that Dilikeremu’s unique design concept was honed and eventually gained international recognition.

UNNC also encourages students to actively participate in practical activities, providing opportunities to combine classroom knowledge with real-world needs. In his second year, Dilikeremu was involved in the renovation project of the university's high street. With the help of his professors, he proposed several ideas, such as transforming the bicycle parking area into public seating and designing new types of stores based on the building environment and student needs. These ideas were eventually adopted and put into practice, showcasing the university’s emphasis on combining theory and practice. These experiences not only helped him develop design skills but also laid a solid foundation for his award-winning project.

From UNNC to the Global Stage: The Continued Path of Innovation

After graduation, Dilikeremu continues to maintain his passion and dedication to learning. Currently, he works for F.O.G. Architecture in Shanghai, focusing on brand architecture design. “I hope to accumulate experience beyond the classroom to lay a solid foundation for future architectural creations,” he said.

From the inheritance of traditional culture to the innovation of modern design, Aiwan: A Place of Gathering not only showcases Dilikeremu’s personal talent but also reflects the outstanding achievements of FoSE in cultivating talents with both global perspectives and innovative capabilities. This award is a testament to Dilikeremu’s personal effort as well as UNNC’s commitment to internationalized architectural education.