Nabila Skymmar, a Year 12 student from the Australian International School Malaysia (AISM), entered the Monash Art Design & Architecture (MADA) Inaugural Architecture Competition last year, but little did she know her design on sustainability would impress the judges. She was successfully chosen to receive an A$4,000 study grant for an architecture course at Monash University.

The aim of this competition was to encourage students to showcase their drive and ability to pursue a professional degree in Architecture, as well as to recognise architecture education in Malaysia.

Nabila submitted a proposal to replace greenery lost on the ground with greenery in the sky, such as rooftop gardens and vertical gardens in apartments, malls, restaurants, cafés, and schools, to promote environmental sustainability in the city. Nabila has a keen interest in architecture, as she has always wanted to try something new, and ended up developing a stronger passion for the skills involved.