Category: News

Open Call | Architecture LGBT+ presents: DESIGNING ‘OUT’ | Deadline for submissions – Monday, August 16, 2021

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

Architecture LGBT+ are launching an OPEN CALL for an exhibition of talent from beyond professional practice to be exhibited at the Roca London Gallery for the month of September. The exhibition will be part of the Open House festival, London Design Festival and within the Pride In London month. Alongside the opportunity to be part of the physical exhibition, selected participants will be invited as guests onto our upcoming podcast and featured on our website. All work submitted to the Open Call will be presented in an online showcase that chronicles LGBTQIA+ voices emerging across the built environment. A panel of judges (listed below) will make a selection of submitted work to be part of the physical exhibition at Roca London Gallery and all those that submit will be invited to an exhibition opening event at the gallery. We hope this will be a great opportunity to show off the remarkable talent in our community and a chance to come together and reflect on the importance of LGBTQIA+ perspectives in architecture; especially given all those that have missed out on the opportunity to show their work physically over the past two years as a result of lockdown restrictions.  

We are looking for work across architectural academia from Undergraduates, Postgraduates, PhD candidates, Tutors and independent researchers who identify as LGBTQIA+ or community allies who have created work pertaining to the wider Queer community.

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

  1. The project must be concerning the fields of architecture and the built environment and must have been created outside of professional practice.
  2. If produced at Undergraduate or Postgraduate level priority will be given to academic year 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, projects from outside of these years will be judged on their merit.
  3. If produced at PhD level, by an Independent researcher or by an academic tutor it must be from the past ten years or an ongoing project.
  4. Those applying must identify as LGBTQIA+ (there is no requirement for the project to include LGBTQIA+ themes) or be an Ally who has created a project directly pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community.

After checking your eligibility and collecting information about you and your project we will ask you to submit an A1 Portrait presentation board no larger than 15MB. The board must include your project title and your name. The presentation board will be used in the judging process and in the online showcase of all submissions. A selection of submitted projects will be made by a panel of judges for participation in the physical exhibition.

The Open Call for submissions will close on 16th August 2021, selected participants will be contacted from 19th August via email. 

OPEN 2021 – School of Architecture + Cities and Hamza Shaikh : ” Does university prepare you for practice?” | Online event | Friday, July 2, 2021 from 17:00 to 19:00 (BST)

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

Please join us on Friday, 2nd of July from 5pm to 7pm (BST), for the last in the series of events around our graduating students’ virtual degree show OPEN2021. We will host our last year’s graduate, Hamza Shaikh, the founder and the host of the Two Worlds Design podcast, and a maker at Make Architects.

Through recounting his architectural education journey, as well as the ways in which he explored and expanded his interests in relation to the architectural profession and beyond, Hamza will help us tackle the difficult, yet important and timely question: Does university prepare you for practice? 

The event will be streamed live on the School of Architecture + Cities’ YouTube channel and Hamza Shaikh’s Two Worlds Design YouTube channel.

5pm Introduction + short film

5.30 – 6.30pm Drawing and the evolving practice

6.30 – 7.00pm Audience Q&A

Hamza Shaikh Bio

Hamza Shaikh is currently a Part 2 Architectural Assistant and Partner at Make Architects, London. He is also the founder & host of the Two Worlds Design podcast series which explores the hidden potential of Architecture by speaking with leading practitioners both within and outside of the field. In 2020 he co-founded the MAD Collective (@the_madcollective),which held multiple symposia to highlight broad issues within the field of architecture and university. He also shares experimental drawing techniques on his popular Instagram page @hamzashaikh.design. More broadly, he shares architectural guidance on his fast-growing YouTube Channel, and he has been described as an ‘Architectural Influencer’ on social media.

Recording of the “How will we live together? Westminster at the Venice Biennale” event is now available online

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

Recording of the online event that celebrates University of Westminster‘s work exhibited at the prestigious 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale (22nd May-21st Nov), which took place on the 9th of June 2021, is now available for viewing here.

Academics based within the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries have co-produced three different installations to respond to the theme: How will we live together?

At the event, we hear more about the ideas underpinning each piece of work, and – given the fundamental themes they address – discuss how architecture and practice based research can help us to better understand the world’s most pressing challenges.

Following an introduction to the three installations, Ifor Duncan, an academic based at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, responds to the work. These contributions are followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.

More details about the installations and the academics involved are provided below.

Monsoon Assemblages (led by Lindsay Bremner) and Office of Experiments (led by Neal White) have created an immersive installation that challenges and redefines ideas of border, scale and agency. It draws on climate data and field work to convey how climate change and the Anthropocene are resulting in increasing monsoon volatility, shorter rainy seasons and more frequent extreme weather events. The installation investigates these events through the flight of the Globe Skimmer dragonfly that follows the monsoon from east Africa to southeast Asia and back again. Video footage of the dragonfly collected during field work is projected into the exhibition space highlighting the vulnerability of the dragonfly to shifting monsoonal dynamics.

In a collaboration with the V&A Museum, Shahed Saleem’s Pavilion looks at the self-built and often undocumented world of adapted mosques to explore contemporary multiculturalism in London. The work explores three different case studies that illuminate stories of immigration, identity, and community aspiration. The cases are the Brick Lane mosque, a former Protestant chapel then Synagogue; Old Kent Road mosque housed in a former pub; and Harrow Central mosque, a purpose-built space that sits next door to the converted terraced house it used to occupy. The Pavilion is partly carpeted, as in a mosque, and these stories are explored through 3D architectural reconstructions, filmed interviews and photographs.

The African Fabbers School video-installation project, curated by Paolo Cascone and Maddalena Laddaga, proposes an innovative research by practice agenda for the next generation of European and African architects. The African Fabbers School [AFS] is an itinerant laboratory of ecological design and self-construction for community-oriented projects between Europe and Africa. This ecosystem of site-specific projects has structured an abacus of paradigmatic design to build modus operandi based on a learning by doing methodology. Thanks to the interaction between people from different backgrounds (including African artisans, local communities, European students) the [AFS] investigates the relationships between traditional knowledges, advanced design processes and digital manufacturing.

Respondent

Ifor Duncan is a Post-doctoral fellow in Environmental Humanities at the Center for the Humanities and Social Change, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. He is a writer and inter-disciplinary researcher, with a PhD from the Centre for Research Architecture, Goldsmiths. His research concerns the relationships between political violence and watery spaces and materialities. Previously Ifor taught at the CRA and in the School of Architecture at the Royal College of Art.

Congratulations to our MArch DS12 tutor Peter Barber on being awarded an OBE for services to architecture!

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

Massive congratulations to architect and our MArch DS12 tutor Peter Barber who was awarded an OBE for his services to architecture.

He is in great company of architects named in Queen’s Birthday Honours, which include Steve Tompkins of RIBA Stirling Prize-winning Haworth Tompkins, author, academic and architect Sumita Singha, and Peter Murray, curator-in-chief at New London Architecture.

Read more here.

Featured image: Architects’ Journal

London Festival of Architecture | Hackney Wick: Free Spaces in Desirable Places | Tuesday, June 15, 19:00-20:30 (BST)

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

Hackney Wick is changing fast. Is it ‘the new Shoreditch’? What does that mean and why should we care? Who controls the story as the post-Olympic new-builds radically change the face of what was once the biggest artist colony in Europe? Where does its industrial past fit in? Is the culture and heritage of this unique location valued, or instrumentalised to drive property development? Why might we all have an interest in how this pans out?

As we emerge from a period of intense isolation, what is the role of cultural and informal spaces in our re-socialisation process and what’s its place in the new Hackney Wick? Why do these liminal areas matter and why are they disappearing?

Writer/guide Simon Cole (Hackney Tours) has been documenting the changes for a decade and been involved with local community activism. Echoing Anna Minton, he asks us to consider who the new ‘quarter’ is for? The past is uncertain, so what’s its future here?

Maja Jović is a lecturer in Architecture & Cities at Westminster University who looks at places of conflict and explores how we construct placemaking and memorial narratives. She juxtaposes the built environment with notions of national identity to explore their connection with elements like branding and power dynamics.

Together yet apart, they will lead a socially distanced group walk/conversation, drawing on pre-recorded content that will be sent to attendees ahead of the event. Bring your curiosity, an open mind – and your own thoughts.

After this one-hour walking conversation (all wheelchair accessible) we will then sit down for a 30 minute discussion (location TBC, Covid-dependent) where you will be invited to reflect on what we’ve seen and heard, or just to listen to the debate. To care, we have to be able to appreciate just why these spaces matter so much.

To book tickets and for more details please go here.

Norman Foster Foundation: Sustainability Workshop supported by Rolex Institute | Deadline for submissions: Monday, July 30, 2021, 24:00 (CEST)

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

The Workshop will take place in Madrid from 18-22 October 2021. As with previous workshops, ten grants will be awarded to a selection of exceptional students from around the world to attend and work on collaborative projects throughout the week-long programme. These grants will cover all visa, transportation and accommodation costs associated with the workshop.

In order to provide equal chances to interested students worldwide, we have also issued an Open Call for applications which poses the following question: How can the field of design shift its relationship with sustainability from one of scarcity and limitation towards abundance and possibility?

The deadline for submissions is Monday 30 July 2021 24:00 CEST (Madrid time). For any additional information, you can refer to the NFF website: www.normanfosterfoundation.org

The Workshop will be a unique opportunity to work with experts, practitioners and academics to explore sustainable solutions for overarching topics such as climate change, the use of energy and resources, and their local and global implications. The workshop experience will enable students to become part of a growing network of scholars and alumni connected to the NFF.

Sustainability Workshop ApplicationDownload

Invitation to OPEN2021 [online] | Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 18:30 to 21:00 (BST)

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER’S SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE + CITIES INVITES YOU TO OPEN 2021


Thursday 17th June           To be opened by Sunand Prasad

Head of School Harry Charrington cordially invites you to attend the opening of our graduating students’ virtual degree show, OPEN 2021, featuring work from Architecture BA, Interior Architecture BA, Architecture and Environmental Design BSc, Architectural Technology BSc, Designing Cities BA and Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA pt II).

The degree show is part of the School of Architecture and Cities and the second online edition of its annual Exhibition of work.

PLEASE SEE THE INVITATION FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER FOR THE LAUNCH (VIA EVENTBRITE).

OPEN 2021 CONTINUES ONLINE 18 JUNE – 30 SEPTEMBER at OPENWestminster.London

London Festival of Architecture Events

In addition to OPEN 2021, the University of Westminster has a number of events taking place as part of this year’s London Festival of Architecture:

10 June, 5.30 – 8pm

Open Gaza: Architectures of Hope

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-gaza-architectures-of-hope-in-memory-of-michael-sorkin-tickets-154395817045

11 June, 5 – 7pm

Practices of Care – A Cross-Disciplinary Discussion on Designing for Mental Health and Wellbeing

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/practices-of-care-tickets-154377857327

21 June, 10am – 1pm

Thinking Practicing Listening

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thinking-practicing-listening-tickets-154373271611

25 June, 4 – 6pm

Let’s Build @StJohn’s School Camberwell

https://climatedemonstrator.org.uk/

27 June, 2 – 4pm

Co-Production Community Hub Workshop

https://www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/event/co-production-community-hub-workshop/

Disassembling the Woven Pavilion at the Marylebone Campus | Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 10:30-14:00 (BST) | Apply now!

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

Are you interested in construction and making?

Please come on Tuesday, 8th of June between 10.30am and 2pm, and have some fun taking apart the Woven Pavilion at the rear podium at the Marylebone Campus and learn about the construction process. After revarnishing and making good off-site some of the QHT funded arches it will be reassembled at Harrow Campus.

Please email Maria Kramer M.Kramer@westminster.ac.uk for further information.

https://www.instagram.com/uow_live_studio3.2/

http://www.room102.com/woven-pavilion.html

Climate Demonstrator: Live build summer school at Westminster | Open to all University of Westminster students | June 14 – 25, 2021

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

We are pleased to announce the launch of Climate Demonstrator: a live build summer for Westminster students in collaboration with St John the Divine School Kennington.

Be part of a two-week live build summer from 14th to 25th June. Work as part of team to design and fabricate an exciting, interactive playground installation that demonstrates the science of buildings and their interaction with climate and biodiversity. The summer school is open to all Westminster students.

Sign in to your University of Westminster google account and click here to go to the registration form. Click here for the summer school website.

What’s the challenge?

To design and fabricate an exciting interactive playground installation that demonstrates the science of buildings and their interaction with climate and biodiversity.

Who can take part?

The project is open to all students at University of Westminster.

How will I be involved and what will I be doing?

You will be assigned to a team to work with students of other courses and levels. The first stage will be an intensive one-day design charrette or workshop to develop a final design and make a concept model. The models will be taken to the school for discussion and debate. The next stage will be to produce fabrication drawings leading to construction of the final work. The installations will be taken to the school for a day of interaction and exhibition with schoolchildren and for display as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

When will it take place?

The summer school will be held for two weeks from 14th to 25th June, culminating in an exhibition on the last day in the ground of St. John’s School. Everything will be happening on campus and on site so you’ll need to be in London and available to contribute during two weeks.

What will I get out of it?

Constructive fun! After over a year of isolated working this is chance to celebrate a return to face-to-face life and interactive hands-on making. Work with students from other disciplines and levels. Develop organisational and project management skills. Make contact with architects, stakeholders and the schools community. The event is part of the London Festival of Architecture so your work will be on public exhibition.

I’m interested. What do I need to do next?

To register, click here to complete the form

Featured image: Domestic Appliances for Science Oxford, Oxford (UK) 2012

RIBA Research Opportunities | Various deadlines

Posted on by Mirna Pedalo

This year’s RIBA President’s Awards for Research call for papers is now open.  We are inviting submissions from academics, practitioners and collaborative groups from all disciplines engaging in architectural & built environment research (completed after January 2020).  This year’s annual theme is ‘Education’ and the submission deadline is 5 July 2021. 

The 2021 RIBA Research Fund is now open for applications. We welcome applications to support all research topics as long as the subject matter and final outputs are relevant to the advancement of architecture and associated disciplines and professions. Applications are welcome from individuals or teams from architectural practices and academia at any stage of their research careers. The maximum amount that applicants can apply for is £10,000, and the deadline is 23 July 2021.

RIBA and Architects Declare have launched an open call for evidence and research around six key themes on climate action. Submissions will be selected for a report, culminating in its discussion at the Built Environment Summit, which will be held virtually and in London the week before COP26. Applications to contribute to the report and/or conference due 1 June 2021; expression of interest to sit on the Expert Advisory Panel due 25 May 2021. All details available here.

Featured Image: Mike Althorpe and Abigail Batchelor: Revolutionary Low Rise, 2018. Image by Andrew Hopper/Awut Atak © Karakusevic Carson Architects via RIBA.