ARU student in line for national architecture award
Ryan Williams shortlisted for prestigious AT Award for his Abberton reservoir project
One of Ryan Williams' designs from his Abberton Arc project
An Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) student has been shortlisted for a prestigious national architecture award for a project based on Abberton reservoir near Colchester, Essex.
Ryan Williams, 21, has been named a finalist in the Student Project of the Year category in this year’s Architectural Technology (AT) Awards, which recognise excellence in architectural technology.
Ryan’s project centred on Abberton reservoir, five miles west of his home city of Colchester. His design was for a shared facility for environmental research and education, one half for school visits for children with special educational needs, and immersive learning; the other as a work hub for researchers and ecologists.
The brief demanded full accessibility and sensory support, durability and adaptability, high thermal, environmental and structural performance, low-carbon construction, and spaces for observation and analysis.
Ryan’s submission, entitled The Abberton Arc – Education and Research Facility, is up against five other student projects from around the UK and Denmark.
“I am both proud and honoured to be selected as one of the six finalists for the 2025 AT awards. It means a lot to have my work recognised in such a way, and I appreciate all of the support and encouragement I received from family, friends, colleagues, fellow students and lecturers along the way.
“This nomination motivates me to keep learning and growing, and I am really thankful for the opportunity. No matter the outcome on the night, I am honoured to be a part of such a great event.”
ARU student Ryan WilliamsLast year, ARU student Harriet Key won the Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology, and Ryan will hope to make it two successive wins for ARU at the AT Awards, which are organised by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).
For more information about the courses offered by ARU’s School of Architecture and Planning, visit https://www.aru.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/engineering-and-the-built-environment/school-of-architecture-and-planning