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Celebrated architect recognised with Honorary Degree

Monday 26 November 2012

Ken Shuttleworth

Architect Ken Shuttleworth, the mastermind behind some of London’s most iconic buildings including the Millenium Bridge, City Hall and the Swiss Re Tower (also known as 30 St Mary Axe and more colloquially as the Gherkin), was today recognised with an Honorary Doctorate in Design from the University of East London (UEL).

While working for Foster and Partners, one of the most celebrated architectural practices in the world, Ken stamped his identity on the skyline of cities the world over, from Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong to the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt. His own practice, Make Architects, has more recently designed University Square, Stratford, the ground-breaking joint venture between UEL and Birkbeck, University of London.

Ken is very much known for his commitment to supporting educational ventures and lists local community colleges to redbrick universities among his hugely diverse design portfolio.

Speaking about the award, today, he said: “Life is about passion, it is about drive. I grew up in Birmingham; we weren't particularly well off, but I always wanted to be an architect from the age of five.  I was always fascinated by buildings and how they are put together. I worked for Foster and Partners for 30 years and built some of the most amazing buildings in the world.

He continued: “UEL has the greatest staff, students and Vice Chancellor. You should be proud to be a part of this university as I now am, and to have something on your CV that will be treasured by employers around the world.”

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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