The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has awarded the 2025 RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship to Arham Khan of the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture and Environmental Studies (India). Arham’s research proposal, “Clouds Without Rain,” focuses on the urban and environmental footprints of AI data centres in the Global South.
Arham’s research aims to shed light on the hidden footprints of AI infrastructure, examining six key data centers in Ashburn, VA (USA); Sรฃo Paulo (Brazil); Nairobi (Kenya); Manila (Philippines); Chennai and Mumbai (India). Through fieldwork, interviews, visual and spatial analysis, and local policy study, Arham will investigate the architectural implications and wider ethical questions surrounding AI data centers.
The RIBA Norman Foster Travelling Scholarship, launched in 2006, offers ยฃ9,000 annually to a student of architecture who demonstrates outstanding potential and original thinking in relation to the sustainable future of cities. The 2025 judging panel, comprising Norman Foster, Lord Foster of Thames Bank, and other industry experts, was impressed by the overall quality and breadth of topics covered by the nominees.
Commendation for Other Entries
The jury also commended three other entries: Theodore Galvin’s “Informal Ecologies,” Lฤซna Nijazi’s “From Conflict-Affected Urban Landscapes,” and Jana Sami’s “Cities.” These projects demonstrated innovative thinking and a deep understanding of the complex issues facing cities today.
Reaction from Arham Khan and the Judging Panel
Arham Khan expressed his gratitude for being selected as the winner, stating that this opportunity will allow him to carry out critical research into the global impact of data centres. Muyiwa Oki, RIBA President, praised Arham’s project for its clear visual communication, compelling narrative, and timely focus on the environmental and societal impacts of AI infrastructure. Lord Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman at Foster + Partners, noted that the winning entry brought to life the significance of data centres in terms of their environmental and community impact.
Image Courtesy: architecture.com
