AJ Student Prize 2023: University for the Creative Arts

About the Canterbury School of Architecture

Undergraduate

Jordan Edwards

Course BA (Hons) Architecture
Studio/unit brief Valencia
Project title Tracing History

Project description This project explores issues of cultural heritage, local identity and civic pride. Situated in Valencia’s historic old town, the building provides a temporary exhibition centre for the 20th Triannual International Committee of Museums and, subsequently, the Department of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Assets. It offers event spaces, galleries, archives, laboratories, workshops and teaching spaces with a focus on new techniques of conservation. It serves as an establishment for students and government professionals to restore artefacts and artwork for museums in Valencia and beyond.

Tutor citation Jordan’s project investigated the nuance and complexities in representing history, uncovering former occupations and building forms which were used to form a geography of patterns and excavations. The result is a fascinating assemblage of site histories. Alex Cotterill

Postgraduate

Maksymilian Molsa

Course MArch
Studio/unit brief Airspace^: Exploring the vacant realm above the city
Project title The Institute of Woodworking

Project description This project seeks to address two issues within the construction industry: a diminishing number of skilled workers and the urgent need for more housing. Using the airspace above Camden’s railway infrastructure, this institute is built using only timber. Its aim is to explore learning through making, while generating interest in timber construction. Timber is delivered from forests across the UK via the West Coast main line. Commissions for houses are built in the institute in parts, placed on to train wagons and distributed across London and the West Coast line.

Tutor citation Using the airspace above a main railway line, Mak proposes an institute of woodworking that encourages a younger generation of inner Londoners to learn sustainable woodworking skills. His approach is beautiful, thoughtful and well-conceived. Carla Novak, Adam Hiles