Desislava Cholakova, recent BA (Hons) Architecture graduate and LSBU alumni, has won a prestigious RIBA President’s Medals Award, 2021. Desislava’s project the Cathedral of Trade was the recipient of the Serjeant Award for Excellence in Architectural Drawing. The RIBA President’s Medals Award is a highly renowned, global student competition in Architecture. Over 408 Schools participate from across 80 countries internationally, meaning competition for securing an award is fierce.

Desislava’s Cathedral of Trade is located within the heart of the financial district of London and speculates a “Post-Brexit, Utopian world” where alternative forms of future democracy are debated. The project proposes a “banker’s hub”, accommodating debating areas, workspaces, archives, and bunkers to house vulnerable people, all derived from extensive research on the historical and religious significance of the City of London. Desislava’s project is live on the RIBA President’s Medals website where it will remain for the next 20 years. To view the project please see this link.

Desislava’s achievement is a great celebration for the School as well as the university. Congratulations go to Desislava as well as her Design Tutors Olivier Jauniaux, Antonios Lalos, and Angela Vanezi who guided her through her final year.