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The Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA) organizes Student Design Awards (SDA) that attracts international participation. SILA SDA aims to continuously advance the learning and practice of landscape architecture. The awards theme ‘Beyond Just Green’ depicts the intellectual rigour of the profession, inspiring creative design solutions within parameters determined by research and analysis.  

In 2024, three recently graduated students from Diploma in Landscape Architecture (DLA) bagged three awards with their DLA Final Year Project work as competition entries. The award winners are namely:

 Best Design Showcase Silver Award: Layla Grace O’Connor

Best Design Showcase Bronze Award: Khoo Jun Wei

Outstanding Graphics Presentation Award: Zhang Yiting

Winners Khoo Jun Wei, Zhang Yiting and Layla Grace O’Connor with their respective posters at the SILA SDA Awards Exhibition.

Winners receive prizes and certificates from sponsors and Guest Of Honour at the awards ceremony held in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore on 15 Nov 2024.

When asked to share their thoughts about winning the awards:

“I am honored to have my Final Year Project featured and recognized by esteemed judges from reputable institutes and organizations. This recognition affirms my knowledge in Landscape Architecture and my dedication to solving urban challenges through my creativity.”

– Khoo Jun Wei

“I was not expecting to receive an award because I had work submitted in the previous year and I did not win anything then. I feel this win is a sign of improvement. I am proud to have my work acknowledged and displayed for the rest of the industry to see.”

- Layla Grace O’Connor

This awards ceremony and exhibition has always been a joyous event for past and present DLA students to meet and exchange notes while they connect with the landscape architecture professionals who attend and support the event.

(From left) Senior Lecturer, Toh Sok Na receive all certificates of participation for the DLA students who took part in the design competition. (right) Group photo of DLA alumni who are landscape architects, researcher, current students, recent DLA graduates and DLA Course Chair, Emily Lim.

As the event drew to a close, both imparted some words of encouragement to their DLA juniors:

“Believe in your design. Stay curious and never let grades define your creativity. Focus on creating designs that are both conceptual and logical, grounded in thoughtful analysis.”

- Khoo Jun Wei

 “Always try your best for your projects and take them as if they were real jobs. When you are convinced by your work, it will be easier to convince others. At the same time, do not forget about your wellbeing and learn to manage your projects alongside your daily activities and hobbies.”

- Layla Grace O’Connor