The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
About the School of Art, Architecture and Design
Location London N7 • Courses BA (Hons) Architecture, MArch, Architect Apprenticeship (Level 7) • Head of school Christian Frost • Full-time tutors 10 • Part-time tutors 20 • Students 150 • Staff to student ratio 1:15
Undergraduate
Robin Simpson
Course BA (Hons) Architecture
Studio/unit brief Leaving the City (Studio 1)
Project title We wunt be druv
Project description This project is a manifestation of the resolute self-determination and unique relationship to power of the people of Lewes. It proposes spaces intended to marry the future of the town to a history whose tradition is formed around radicalism and resistance. Drawing from the mix of typologies found locally, the scheme responds to contextual materiality and increasing knowledge of forces that shape the environment in a way that offers adaptability and resistance. Spaces offer places of celebration and collaboration to residents old and new. Workshops and archives come together to create a stronghold for civic activity.
Tutor citation Robin’s project demonstrates a thorough understanding of the identity the Bonfire Societies bring to Lewes and harnesses the potential of the Town Hall to redefine that. Beautifully drawn and carefully composed, with a clear spatial hierarchy and approach to materials, it exceeds the brief and proposes a brighter future for the centre of Lewes. Jillian Jones, David Eagleton and Kieran Wardle
Postgraduate
Annette Desouza
Course MArch
Studio/unit brief Something Wonderful (Unit 2)
Project title Of Certainty and Indeterminacy
Project description The singularity of Albertopolis stems from its dense amalgamation of residential, cultural and educational buildings, all in dialogue with each other. This informs the approach for an extension to the Royal College of Art in Kensington Gore. The proposal makes use of a demolished northern section of the urban block and is massed to create two courts – one within the existing and another enclosed from all sides to the south. This allows a separation of the studio/workshop and research programmes. In negotiating a relationship between workspace and circulation, spaces of intimate enclosure are contrasted with momentary expansiveness for social exchange. The building’s timber frame asserts a belief in the importance of low-carbon construction.
Tutor citation Annette displays an admirable commitment to sustainability and exploration of low-carbon building techniques in a challenging large-scale educational institutional building. This is combined with a highly developed attention to detail and architectural resolution. Tony Fretton and Jillian Jones
