AN ABERYSTWYTH architect student has won a scholarship for her ambitious design for a centre that would remember Welsh emigrants who set sail for Patagonia.

Efa Lois Thomas beat eight other competitors to win the National Eisteddfod of Wales Architecture Scholarship of £1,500, which is supported by the Design Commission for Wales.

The scholarship, which was open to under 25-year-olds from Wales or with a Welsh link, aims to give the most promising young architect an opportunity to further their understanding of creative architecture.

She was awarded the scholarship for her concept of creating a Welsh Cultural Centre within a new building on Maryland Street, Liverpool. Her design incorporated patterns in the building’s façade inspired by traditional Welsh blankets, including those from quilts that were carried by Welsh emigrants who sailed to Patagonia from Liverpool in 1865.

Efa said: “Getting the phone call telling me I was being awarded the scholarship was a complete shock as I really didn’t expect it.

“I am passionate about Welsh history and myth and I often design things that are derived from my own experiences of being Welsh.

“The scholarship will allow me to further my knowledge of architecture and to pursue my next level of training to achieve a Master of Architecture.”

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