The 2017 RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship went to Chloe Loader from the University of Lincoln with her proposal "Emerging Cities: Sustainable Master-Planning in the Global South".

Organized in collaboration with The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the annual scholarship awards one student to fund his/her international research on a topic and in any location that they chose - to delve into the future survival of our cities and communities.

This year, the RIBA and Foster + Partners increased the amount of reward from £6,000 to £7,000 and within this framework, Chloe’s travels will start in Curitiba, Brazil, where she will study how the city has developed as a successful urban model, despite large influxes of rural migrants. 

"She will then travel to Mumbai and Jakarta, two cities she will use as case studies, to compare and contrast with Curitiba. After establishing how the three cities have dealt with the pressures of rapid urbanisation, Chloe will identify ways in which other cities of similar economics and demographics could evolve. She will conclude by investigating potential design methods for urban development that engage individuals and communities," detailed RIBA and Foster + Partners.

The jury, Chaired by Norman Foster, included Spencer de Grey, Head of Design, Foster + Partners, Jane Duncan, RIBA President, Eva Jiricna, Director, Eva Jiricna Architects, Simone de Gale, Founder, Simone de Gale Architects, Piers Heath, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners and Narinder Sagoo, Art Director, Partner, Foster + Partners.

The jury also commended Chloe's entry "Fluid Spaces – (re)embracing the frontier culture of port cities" by Alexander Craig-Thompson from the University of Sheffield. Her proposal examines the changing nature of global port cities in the light of technical advances in production, changing working patterns and global identity.

"Once again, the entries for the award demonstrated an exceptional range of scholarship and research. The jury thoroughly enjoyed deliberating over each one of them, and Chloe Loader’s proposal to study the development of Curitiba stood out for its simplicity and immediacy. I believe the lessons she will learn will have a direct relevance to other cities in the global south, addressing the pressing need for sustainable development worldwide. I look forward to seeing her project develop in the coming months," said Lord Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners.

"Many congratulations to Chloe Loader for her fascinating proposal. I’m delighted that the RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship continues to encourage innovative student research into sustainable cities and communities. I wish Chloe well on her travels and look forward to reading her research on Curitiba, Mumbai and Jakarta," added RIBA President Jane Duncan.

All images courtesy of Foster + Partners

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