University of Auckland graduate Abdallah Alayan, who was also a finalist in the 2019 Interior Awards, took home this year’s Student Award with his project Faith in Fiordland, which explores the future of spiritual architecture using one of Aotearoa’s most unspoilt landscapes as a backdrop.

Alayan graduated from the School of Architecture and Planning in 2019 and Faith in Fiordland was also awarded an NZIA Student Design Award in the same year. He now splits his time between Auckland and Christchurch, working as a graduate at IKON Architects and running his own design practice, Alayan Architecture.  

The student winner is awarded a $1000 cash prize.

Full jury citation:

This design research project explores the future of spiritual architecture in an increasingly agnostic society. Set on a trail in Southern Fiordland, the result is a series of four architectural interventions, each connecting users to a different, interdenominational idea of spirituality. Multi-sensory experiences are used to elicit awe, introspection, a sense of cleansing and community. Abdallah has brought forth a thoroughly imagined, very detailed concept, which asks big questions and responds confidently, with utmost care and affection for the human condition. It is an eloquent, architectural expression of our spiritual zeitgeist: timely, relevant and highly emotive. 

Watch Alayan’s winning presentation to the judges here:

See the full list of winners from the 2020 Interior Awards here.

Purchase your copy of the latest issue of Architecture NZ magazine here for extended Awards coverage.