winner ECLAS Bachelor Award in Landscape Architecture

Laurien Maes, a recent graduate of KASK & Conservatorium, has won the prestigious ECLAS Outstanding Student Award in the Bachelor category. ECLAS stands for the European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools. The association brings together European landscape architecture schools and researchers. It works to support high standards in education and research, encourage exchange and collaboration across the field, and raise awareness of landscape architecture.

The jury praised Laurien for her critical, research-driven approach and her strong design for climate-resilient water systems. In her bachelor’s thesis, she translates ecological and social data into regenerative landscapes. The jury also noted her commitment to circular use of materials and her critical perspective on anthropocentric design paradigms.

Laurien combines broad curiosity with technical insight. Before starting the professional bachelor’s programme in Landscape and Garden Architecture at KASK & Conservatorium, she studied architecture at Ghent University. During her studies, she served for three years as a class representative and member of the curriculum committee. She also helped prepare the 2025 BALA conference on “New Urban Landscapes.”

The jury notes that Laurien inspires her fellow students through her intellectual maturity and commitment to sustainability. After an internship at Dermot Foley Landscape Architects in Ireland, she is now continuing her studies with a master’s degree in Sweden. The jury believes that she has the potential to help shape sustainable landscapes and the future of landscape architecture.