West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design alumna Yasmeen Juma was recently awarded 2nd prize in the Graduate Student Design Category at the 7th “Yuan Ye” International Competition, an annual design competition for landscape architecture students and professionals.
The competition is hosted by the Asian Landscape Architecture Society, Worldscape Magazine and China Landscape Architecture.
Juma’s project, “Educational EcoPark and wetland restoration in Staten Island, New York,” focused on addressing the many challenges of wetlands and other natural environments in New York. The project aim is to educate the community about the importance of wetlands and to transform them into a landmark site for the enjoyment of all citizens.
Her proposed park integrates social sustainability, recreational activities and ecological restoration, as well as the preservation of the cultural identity and heritage values of the local community.
“I'm so honored that my project has been selected as one of the best proposals among thousands of other designs and will be exhibited and published to be recognized internationally and globally,” Juma said. “Winning the Yuan Ye second prize award describes a success that might bring a better place for the people and society through the park's environmental development.”
Shan Jiang, assistant professor of landscape architecture, was also recognized by the “Yuan Ye” International Competition evaluation committee with the Excellence Guide Teacher Award.
Jiang, who joined the WVU landscape architecture faculty in 2015, received her bachelor’s in landscape architecture from Beijing Forestry University, her master’s in landscape architecture from Tongji University and her doctorate in planning, design and the built environment from Clemson University.
“I am so appreciative of Dr. Shan, who has been involved since the early stages of the design process, influencing the design scheme and planning decisions to establish a diverse creative program that encourages people to directly interact with the park's designed elements,” Juma said. “Also, I would like to thank the rest of the landscape architecture faculty members for giving me a great, three-year educational journey that has led me to achieve such an accomplishment."
Juma, who graduated in December 2016 with a master’s in landscape architecture, is invited to attend the “Yuan Ye” Summit Forum, an annual meeting for landscape architecture experts, entrepreneurs and college students. It will be held in Beijing on April 8-9, 2017.
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CONTACT: Nikky Luna; WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design 304.293.2394; Nikky.Luna@mail.wvu.edu
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