Jonathan Speirs Scholarship Fund 2020/21 winners announced
(UK) – The Trustees of the Jonathan Speirs Scholarship Fund (JSSF) have announced the winners of the 2020/21 award – Laura Carcano and Lawrence Lynch.
Currently studying architecture at London Metropolitan University, Carcano has a First degree from Politecnico of Milano, following which she spent a year working as an architectural assistant. Having understood the power of light to affect aesthetics and atmosphere, during the course of her research she found herself increasingly curious about the importance of the biological and emotional impacts of light on mood, performance, productivity and many other aspects of daily life. Her future plans, to be supported by the scholarship, include further studies and research into the role of light in creating responsive and adaptive architecture that improves emotional and physical wellbeing.
A student of the Welsh School of Architecture at the University of Cardiff, Lynch’s undergraduate degree work shows his passion for the poetics of light and form. Having spent some time working for DaeWha Kang Design – a firm that specialises in wellbeing and human-oriented design and collaborates with professional lighting designers – he has cultivated a deep interest in the psychological effects of light. Returning to his architectural studies, Lynch’s Master’s dissertation explored how biophilic aesthetics affect emotional wellbeing. It is this research that he would like to continue into the future, with the support of the scholarship, with the aim of aiding the general understanding of the emotional effects of lighting within architecture.
John Roake, Chairman of the JSSF, said: “When we announced the Jonathan Speirs Scholarship last year, little did we know what lay ahead.
“We suspected it was going to be an extremely difficult time for students to study, particularly in the creative industries, but we hoped that with online conferencing that some manner of tutoring would be available. Despite the very best efforts of the Universities, all of this year’s submissions spoke of the extreme difficulties experienced both with remote studying and finances.
“It is therefore with the greatest pleasure that despite this, the resilience and fortitude of the students who made this year’s submissions has resulted in two fantastic new scholars to add to our growing list.
“We congratulate them both on becoming part of the JSSF family, and trust that their scholarships will help them to finish their studies and go on to develop further as both architects and lighting designers.
“I conclude with a ‘thank you’ to all our supporters: in a year that has been so hard in all sectors of business, to have the financial backing of our generous sponsors has shown us the true meaning of charity. Jonathan would have been proud!”
