Open Studio is an interactive project run by the School of Architecture + Cities at the University of Westminster to make its design, research and practice-based work available online while it is happening. The site acts as a real time teaching and learning environment in which the work of both students and staff is curated and documented – the work of its design studios, or its other teaching and research groups and workshops. Read more in Blog, follow us on Twitter and like us on Instagram.
When: Monday, 29th of January 2024 at 13:00 (GMT)
Where: Online
The first Architecture + Cities Research Seminar of the new semester will take place on Monday, January 29 from 13:00 to 14:00 (GMT), online. It will be given by Scott Batty on the construction as an essential component of architectural education.
The link to the seminar is here.
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, the School of Architecture + Cities’ First Year students organised a spectacular ‘food future’ event A Feast, which took place in Ambika P3.
When: Tuesday, 12th of December 2023 at 6pm (GMT)
Where: 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2HW
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has generated intense debate worldwide and exposed a range of tensions – moral, legal, and political – that continue to beset the international system.
This crisis did not happen in a vacuum and its repercussions will likely define international politics for many years to come.
In this roundtable we will situate this crisis in context, analyse the key themes and issues that make it so controversial and emotive, and speculate on its long-term impact on the existing international order.
This is a cross University event.
All students and staff welcome.
When: Monday, 11th of December 2023 at 13:00 (GMT)
Where: Online
The final Architecture and Cities research seminar of the semester will be held next Monday, 11 December, 13.00 – 14.00. Shengkang Fu, one of our PhD researchers will present preliminary findings from her PhD in a seminar titled: ‘Creative placemaking in Heritage Cities: The Case of Wudadao, Tianjin, China.’
The link to the seminar is here.
When: Thursday, 30th of November at 6pm (GMT)
Where: M416, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, NW1 5LS + Online
Sho Ito is a registered architect, educator in the UK and the founder of Studio ITO: Interdisciplinary Thought Operations (www.s-ito.co.uk / Instagram: @studio__ito) a design and research studio working with large-scale housing developments in Cambodia, café renovations in London to private homes in Tokyo. Ito graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA). He has extensive experience and knowledge in both the academic and architectural industry, having previously worked at Stirling Prize-winning offices, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, dRMM (de Rijke Marsh and Morgan) and AHMM (Allford Hall Monaghan and Morris) in the UK across the commercial sector.
Nature’s Treasures: Celebrating Earth’s Natural Resources is Ito’s research agenda and personal interest where he attempts to analyse and understand ‘space’ that is inherently linked to the extraction of natural resources. Furthermore, exposing how the commodification process of the strategic systems and infrastructures developed in place allows corporations to manipulate and financially gain from resources that should be democratic. Ito explores the unknown and the hidden through critically analysing and articulating conditions that are spatial through multiple scales, from the territorial, urban, block, and building to the room.
By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, the lecture seeks to generate discussion and awareness that responds to balance the needs of current and future generations while safeguarding the planet’s ecological integrity.
For details contact Will McLean
When: Thursday, 23rd of November at 6pm (GMT)
Where: M416, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, NW1 5LS + Online
Based in Brixton, AWMA is an experimental design collective that explores key themes prevalent within social, spiritual, economic and urban realms – from celebrations to challenges – across the cultural spectrum with work that connects people and places.
Mohammed is an architectural thinker and maker. Having worked for acclaimed international architecture firms over the years, he has played an instrumental role in projects, ranging from airport terminals, residential developments, sports stadiums, and several mixed-use spaces across the globe. Abderrahim is an architectural designer and dreamer. He has worked on a variety of scale projects, ranging from one-off private houses to large mixed-use master plans. His experience has been gained through several award-winning architecture practices, all of which have given him a real insight into the field. Abderrahim’s appetite for a holistic and considered approach is fundamental in any undertaken programme.
Both Mohammed and Abderrahim are graduates of the University of Westminster and we are delighted to welcome them back to talk about their experience as a young design practice.
For details contact Will McLean
When: Thursday, 16th of November at 6pm (GMT)
Where: M416, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, NW1 5LS + Online
Scott Batty is an architect with 30 years of experience making, building, designing, and shaping the profession of architecture. As part of The Technical and Professional Studies team Scott has developed the curriculum including initiatives for students to monitor live building sites and he has devised the University of Westminster Sustainable Design Principles. Scott’s work with students has been presented to the Architect’s Climate Action Network (ACAN). Scott Batty has recently initiated and led student and staff visits to the Fire Service Training College, Moreton-in-Marsh for ‘Fire Experience Days’ funded by AXA insurance. These visits provide an invaluable and unforgettable insight into fire and the built environment and have recently featured in the RIBA bulletin.
Scott has first-hand experience with domestic retrofit, and he has developed an innovative design approach to the selective fabric and service domestic upgrade. Scott has stylishly retrofitted his own house and continues to monitor the house for thermal comfort and energy savings.
Urna Sodnomjamts is a recently qualified Architect with three years’ experience as a Part II architectural assistant working for firms such as dMFK, Hut Architecture and Matthew Lloyd Architects. In practice, Urna has worked on retrofit schemes using design & build and traditional procurement with particular sensitivity in understanding client quality requirements and construction viability. Urna is an active researcher in innovative, sustainable construction methods informed by low-tech, environmentally conscious communities. In 2018 Urna co-founded the Association of Mongol Architects a non-profit organisation for architects and architecture students. Urna published some of her research on the vernacular tradition of the Mongolian ‘Ger’ or ‘Yurt’ in Environmental Design Sourcebook by Will McLean and Pete Silver, RIBA Publications 2021.
Urna previously taught part-time as part of the technical studies team and she has recently joined us at the School of Architecture and Cities, University of Westminster as a lecturer in Regenerative Technical and Environmental Design.
When: Monday, 13th of November 2023 at 13:00 (GMT)
Where: Online
The next Architecture + Cities research seminar will be held online on Monday 13, November, 13.00 – 14.00. At this seminar, titled ‘Mediating Mobility at the School Gate: Interpreting London’s School Street Schemes,’ Asa Thomas will present work conducted as part of his doctoral research at the Active Travel Academy on school street closures in London. The link to the seminar is here.
When: Thursday, 2nd of November 2023 at 13:00 (GMT)
Where: Online
The next Architecture + Cities Research Forum will take place on Thursday 2 November, 13.00 – 14.00 (GMT). Enrica Papa and Sabina Cioboata will present their project ACUTE – the Accessibility and Connectivity Knowledge Hub for Urban Transformation in Europe. The link to the seminar is here. Further details below.
