Architecture school has ‘real magic’, says journal

Published

12 July 2023

The University of East London's architecture school has garnered praise for its unwavering dedication to social justice, sustainability, and the ability to create "genre-defining magic" within the industry.

The high praise was contained in a feature in the Architects' Journal (AJ) which showcased the students’ work.

Journalist Anna Highfield wrote, "The institution openly rejects old-fashioned academic snobbery in favour of a commitment to sustainability and social equality. It treats education as a springboard for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with an impressive 52 per cent of its students being the first from their families to attend university."

The article carried a headline "The SpaceX of architecture schools", referring to entrepreneur Elon Musk's revolutionary rocket company. The positive sentiments left Alex Scott-Whitby, leader of the Architecture and Physical Design Cluster, thrilled with the recognition.

He said, "We were delighted with the article. It shows off all the hard work of our students, and the work that the University has been doing towards promoting diversity and inclusivity and how it acts as a careers accelerator for all our students regardless of their background.

"Most importantly, its showcases what others have been telling us - that our students are reaching and achieving at the highest level globally within our industry. This is also shown in our 85 per cent graduate job rates, where students are now being employed at above the average salary for their industry.

Mr Scott-Whitby was particularly pleased that the journalist recognised and emphasised the aspects of the school's work and philosophy on social justice and inclusivity, giving a boost to graduates as they launch their career.

He said, "The journal is a highly regarded voice telling our graduating students how good they are, raising the aspirations of our current students to achieve even better next year. Our show saw over 400 people attend the opening with a large majority of London-based creative practices being represented."

After reviewing the show, AJ journalist Anna Highfield concluded, "Most prominent is the reassuring focus on retrofit and sustainability evident in every project, alluding to a cohort of future architects ready to design for a climate emergency. UEL may be the SpaceX of architecture schools, but its students are still firmly grounded in reality. Forward-thinking practices should be snapping them up."

Mr Scott Whitby also offered special praise to his colleagues within the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering.

He said, "Our school is a remarkable place. It is made up of an incredibly talented and committed staff. They demonstrate the values of our University day in day out, working to help our students achieve at the highest level. I hope that this article brings a smile to their faces too."

Images

Main image: Annual showcase of architecture students' course work

Above: Clay 3d Printed Vessels made using the Universities state of the art robotics workshops

Below: Showcasing the universities links to industry saw tutors celebrate with Paul Monaghan (Founding Director of Stirling prize winning architecture firm AHMM), and Paul Gregory (recently retired director of Sir Robert McAlpine) among many others. Mr Alex Scott-Whitby is pictured third from right

If you are interested in studying architecture, visit our dedicated web pages.