AJ Student Prize 2024: University of Brighton

The two students selected for the AJ Student Prize by the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering

About

Location Moulsecoomb, Brighton | ARB/RIBA courses BA (Hons) Architecture, MArch Architecture | Head of school Muhammad Imran Rafiq | Full-time tutors 15 | Part-time tutors 9 | Students 325 | Staff to student ratio 1:14 | Bursaries available No

Undergraduate

Charles Smale

Course BA (Hons) Architecture
Studio/unit brief Door; Street; Block; City (Studio 10)
Project title Mursell Estate Community Market

Project description Exploring ideas of existing community facilities and thresholds in and around the Mursell Council Estate in Stockwell, London, this project is a proposal for a series of movable market pods for community events and gatherings. The pods sit within a glulam structure that is bolted to existing concrete columns of the Dovet Court block to create a sheltered communal market. This shelter extends an existing undercroft and makes a previously dark and unsafe area an active centre for engagement. Residents are responsible for running the pods, ensuring the market is always relevant to the needs and wants of the community – giving locals opportunities for business ventures or hobbies. 

Tutor citation This is a very well considered response to very thorough site analysis, presenting the opportunity for flexible community use and adaptation in accordance with the diverse and changing needs of residents. Georgia White

Postgraduate

Szu-Min Tseng

Course MArch Architecture
Studio/unit brief ‘In Medias Res’: into the middle of things (Studio 1: Hyperlocal Studio)
Project title Future Retirement Housing   

Project description This project transforms Leach Court, a retirement housing development in Brighton, to combat isolation among its residents. The thesis asks firstly, how will future retirement housing be designed? And secondly, how do you minimise use of materials while maximising flexibility of space? Inspired by Japanese minimalism, the design sees a new two-storey plinth with elevated garden and playground inserted between the towers to create social opportunities. A second key move is reducing the number of units, creating spaces for isolated residents. A layer of ‘deep façade’ has been added, extending apartments. 

Tutor citation Szu-Min really understood the site and its challenges and the project exemplifies an authentic, creative, low-carbon, climate change-resilient, socially supportive and inclusive built environment using closed loop circular principles. Duncan Baker-Brown

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