This year Unit 17 explored the theme of waste – not only in its literal, material sense, but also in forms such as wasted space, time, knowledge, energy and communities. We asked: how can careless (or even purposeful) misuse not just be stopped, but actively reversed?
Students investigated the creative potential of reuse – repurposing existing materials, developing new materials from waste streams, and minimising the consumption of natural resources. Drawing inspiration from both ancient techniques and contemporary innovation, their projects embraced circular systems designed for disassembly and reuse, ensuring nothing goes to waste and every element holds potential for renewal.
At the heart of each project is the reclaiming of wasted sites and resources to spark social, cultural, and economic renewal in local communities. Each student developed a civic architecture that both serves and fosters a sense of community, while proudly showcasing the materials used in its construction. The results are bold and ambitious projects that seek to critique, challenge and promote change by fundamentally reimagining the materials and processes we use to build our towns and cities.
Jason Coe and Lee Fox
Harry Day
The MArch Architecture is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time programme offering exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 2. It combines rigorous professional training with creative and speculative design exploration. In the first year, students join a themed design unit to undertake a creative building design project combined with a technical and professional report. In the second year, students pursue a comprehensive speculative architectural design project, and an in-depth theoretical thesis tailored to their personal interest. The programme fosters independent thinking, innovation, theoretical and technical excellence, preparing graduates for advanced architectural practice and ongoing professional development in a dynamic global context.
See further details on our prospectus page.
