MLA Studio 'Politics of Conservation' received an Honourable Mention for the 2026 World Landscape Architecture (WLA) University Studio Award

MLA2 STUDENT SHRUTHAKEERTHI KARTHIKEYAN DELIVERS HER PRESENTATION AT THE LANNA ARCHITECTURE CENTER AS PART OF THE 2025 CHIANG MAI DESIGN WEEK

We are pleased to announce that our Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) studio ‘Politics of Conservation’ has been awarded an Honourable Mention for the 2026 World Landscape Architecture (WLA) Student Awards – University Studio Award. The studio was selected from over 130 entries spanning more than 20 countries, submitted by students and academics from leading university programmes worldwide.

The studio demonstrates the wider MLA programme’s long-term dedication to addressing socio-ecological challenges in Southeast Asia, one of the world’s most critical and dynamic arenas for landscape architecture. Focusing on Northern Thailand, the “Politics of Conservation” studio explores culturally engaged conservation approaches within a region-specific context.

MLA STUDENT WORKS ON DISPLAY AT THE LANNA ARCHITECTURE CENTER AS PART OF THE 2025 CHIANG MAI DESIGN WEEK

Students’ learning experiences unfold along four major landscape corridors situated at the forefront of ongoing cultural and natural conservation debates. Their final projects have been exhibited in major regional events, including a month-long show at the Lanna Architecture Center as part of the 2025 Chiang Mai Design Week, raising public awareness and stimulating dialogue about natural and cultural landscape conservation.

FOCUSING ON NORTHERN THAILAND, THE ‘POLITICS OF CONSERVATION’ STUDIO EXPLORES CULTURALLY ENGAGED CONSERVATION APPROACHES WITHIN A REGIONAL CONTEXT

Studio Instructor: Dr. Xiaoxuan Lu

MLA Students: Shruthakeerthi Karthikeyan, Whaley Yi Wang, Jadel Zhang Xinyao, Shu Yao, Kejie Li, Ryan Chen Zhuoran, Emily Du Xinyang, Jiaying Chen, Vivian Qi Kexin, Yulia Zhou Yao, Lydia Li Mu

WLA Awards

The World Landscape Architecture (WLA) Awards are a prestigious global awards program celebrating excellence, innovation and sustainability in landscape architecture. Organised annually, the awards showcase outstanding projects demonstrating exceptional creativity, sustainability, and environmental impact. The WLA awards highlight the diverse range of landscapes, from urban parks and public spaces to residential gardens and ecological restoration projects, fostering a sense of community and connection with nature.