Welsh School of Architecture student recognised in IHBC Booth-Bird Prize
17 March 2026
Congratulations to MSc Sustainable Building Conservation student Sian Mari McGuirk, who has been awarded a commendation in this year’s IHBC Booth-Bird Prize.
The IHBC Booth-Bird Prize is a category within the Institute of Historic Building Conservation’s (IHBC) student awards programme, and recognises outstanding student work that focuses on Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) or Conservation Options Appraisals.
It is awarded to high‑quality coursework that demonstrates strong conservation and heritage management skills in relation to historic buildings or sites.
Mari's submission, Conservation Management Plan for the Alternative Adaptive Reuse for Bath Cornmarket, was produced under the guidance of Professor Oriel Prizeman. The project proposes repairing and reusing the Grade II listed 1855 Victorian Cornmarket in Bath as a community arts centre, and includes alternative investment models to achieve self-sufficiency, a partial rebuild to reduce risk and the introduction of pop‑up pods for adaptable use. A buffer zone against nearby development would create outdoor performance space while protecting Bath’s heritage value, townscape views and surrounding landscape.
Professor Prizeman said "Many congratulations to Mari for this very well-deserved recognition for her excellent work from the IHBC."
This achievement is the result of the invaluable guidance, incredible support and continuous encouragement of Professor Oriel Prizeman, Dr. Chris Whitman, and Darren McLean. I am indebted to them; their challenging modules, superb teaching and stimulating academic debate, inspired this report. I hope this IHBC commendation in some part provides recognition of their exceptional contribution to the field of Sustainable Building Conservation education.
The commendation includes a certificate, a £50 cash prize and free online access to the IHBC Friday Day School on 19 June, held during the IHBC Annual School 2026.