06/08/2026
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. Led by Studio Instructor Associate Professor Xiaoxuan Lu together with 11 students, the studio was selected from over 130 entries spanning more than 20 countries.
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. Focussing on Northern Thailand, the "Politics of Conservation" studio explores culturally engaged conservation approaches within a region-specific context. 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 at major regional events, including a month-long show at the Lanna Architecture Centre as part of the 2025 Chiang Mai Design Week, raising public awareness and stimulating dialogue about natural and cultural landscape conservation.
The project team gratefully acknowledges the following organisations for their friendship and intellectual contributions to the team's study of Chiang Mai: Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University, Forest Restoration Research Unit, Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, JaiBaan Studio, Mae Kha City Lab, and ป่าเหนือสตูดิโอ North Forest Studio. Special thanks to Dr Kanisa Sattayanurak, Dr Worong Wongalaka, and Dr Worrasit Tantinipankul from มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai University, as well as Dr Richard Engelhardt, former UNESCO Chair Professor for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Centres.
NUS College of Design and Engineering
NUS Landscape Architecture
