Concept
Award design for the University of Edinburgh’s College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
This award was developed as a symbolic and personal form of recognition for staff members within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. The design aimed to move beyond the formality of a conventional trophy, offering instead an emotionally resonant object that reflects the values of gratitude, unity, and individuality.
At the heart of the concept is the belief that a university is defined by its people. Each individual brings a unique perspective, yet together they form a cohesive, supportive community. This idea is reflected through four individual components; abstract forms that rest on a single base. When viewed together, they evoke the image of a recipient cradling the community in their hands, highlighting their integral role within it.
To mark the occasion with personal meaning, NFC technology was embedded into the trophy. When scanned, it links the recipient to their own staff nominations; offering access to messages of appreciation from colleagues and students. This transforms the award into a digital time capsule of recognition and impact.
Materials were chosen to reflect both local identity and sustainability. The base was cast in plaster and pigmented to resemble Edinburgh’s historic sandstone. The translucent components were made from pine resin, a biodegradable alternative to glass, inspired by amber as a material of preservation. Together, these choices underscore the award’s symbolic connection to memory, place, and people.