Top thesis wins fourth edition of Stichting Rho Graduation Prize

07/10/2025 - 09:26

The Stichting Rho Graduation Prize has become an established name in the Built Environment programme at Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas). For the fourth year in a row, Stichting Rho has awarded a prize to a thesis that stands out for its quality, relevance and innovative insights. The bar was set high again this year and, according to the jury, the standard of the entries was exceptional.

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‘This year, we saw a great mix of topics that were directly applicable in practice and addressed urgent challenges in a unique international context – all of an exceptionally high standard!’, said the jury chair. ‘It is very promising to see how strong the emerging talent is that is engaging with the spatial challenges of the future.’

The Stichting Rho Graduation Prize was established out of a desire to build bridges between education and practice. It is a joint initiative of Stichting Rho and BUas, intended to encourage students to develop innovative and integrated solutions for a sustainable and liveable future, and to give young talent a platform.

Ana Petre wins the Rho Graduation Prize 2025
During the festive award ceremony on Wednesday 9 July, Ana Petre won first prize. This makes Ana the winner of the fourth edition of the Rho Graduation Prize. The jury was impressed by her impressive thesis entitled ‘From Emergency to Permanence: A Scalable Urban Strategy for Post War Gaza’.

Ana received a cheque worth €850 from jury member Martijn Backx (planning project leader at Rho Adviseurs). The jury consisted of Monique Lammens (director of Rho Adviseurs), Jur van der Velde (board member of Stichting Rho) and Martijn Backx.

Why does this research deserve first prize?
The jury’s verdict:
‘This thesis is an exceptionally strong and compelling submission. It explores an extremely urgent and relevant issue: the reconstruction of Gaza, with insights that are also applicable to other disaster-stricken areas. With limited resources, impressive work has been done, with in-depth case studies, detailed GIS analyses and clever use of available media and data.

The strength of the work lies in the breadth and depth of its approach. Political, social, cultural and geotechnical aspects have been analysed in a balanced manner and presented with visual clarity. The matrices provide insightful guidance for spatial choices in reconstruction. The proposed methodology is well thought out, applicable and future-oriented, with an eye for the rapid regrouping of communities, the provision of temporary housing, the strategic use of coastal and agricultural areas, and future-proof permanent housing.’

The jury was unanimous. It is a work to be proud of!

In addition to Ana Petre, there were two other nominees, who received the 2nd and 3rd prizes:

Margot van Lier received the second prize, €250, for her graduation research project called ‘Aantrekkelijke looproutes richting OV haltes’ (Attractive walking routes to public transport stops).
An honourable mention (with dinner voucher) went to Milena Pashkina for her research entitled ‘Inclusive public space in plural cities’.

This prestigious award marks the impressive completion of Ana, Margot and Milena's studies at BUas. Congratulations!

With the first three editions already receiving high praise, this year's award seems to have further established itself as a platform for innovative spatial thinking. Stichting Rho and BUas are already looking forward to the fifth edition in 2026.

Rho Adviseurs and BUas would like to thank all students for their entries and wish them good luck and plenty of wonderful challenges for the future!