2021 National Prize: Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture

Award | 2021 National Prizes Jury

6 May 2021

Alvin Zhu

Jury citation

Alvin Zhu has presented a thoughtful approach to articulating the transition from architectural student to architectural professional. In Projects by People, he has delivered a resource of particular relevance for architectural students of 2021. This online initiative, with its intention of communicating the people and personalities behind projects, offers a beautifully articulated and diverse suite of material as a conduit to the architectural community when it is needed most. Zhu has taken global experiences and collated them in a beautifully considered manner.

Zhu’s body of work is refreshing in its desire to contribute to rather than take from. There is strength in the seemingly simple quest to promote collaborative dialogue. In an ever-expanding world and a constantly growing industry, Zhu has sought to connect students from different corners of the globe through their work and their passion for architecture. Projects by People serves as a reminder to those in architecture (both students and practitioners) to look beyond the physical work produced – be it at university or in practice – in order to see the human connection.

Zhu’s generosity in engaging in this project that connects the global community of architecture students is particularly commended. The Projects by People Instagram account uses a simple format to facilitate a well-presented platform, allowing students to share their projects, values and aspirations. Zhu has collaborated with others on established programs, including the SONA Career Series, and initiated other projects, including Advice by Architects, that provide useful information for students and recent alumni. These projects are motivated by a genuine desire to connect and inform, rather than by self-interest or self-promotion.