South Bank University students rethink London’s architecture

Projects from London South Bank University’s architecture students, presented here as part of their VDF school show, work to improve the social fabric of the capital’s neighbourhoods and envision new purposes for the Eero Saarinen-designed US Embassy.

The 19 concepts presented below were created by students across the school, spanning graduates and undergraduates, part- and full-time students as well as apprentices.

According to the programmes’ tutors, the unifying aim across the projects, as with all architecture, is “not only to serve society but to improve it for the better”.

BA and MArch Architecture, London South Bank University

University: London South Bank University
Courses: Bachelor of Art in Architecture and Master of Architecture

BA Architecture course statement: 

“Undergraduate study of architecture at LSBU is supported by an intensive design studio culture, creating opportunities to engage in staff practice and research interests while learning in teams that include practitioners, subject specialists in technology and history as well as visiting critics. Learning is underpinned by public talks and events (notably the LSBU Open Lecture series, now in its fourth season), field trips and the RIBA Mentoring Programme.

“Our school’s strong links with the industry, professional bodies and the wider architectural community have been enhanced by our architectural assistant undergraduate apprenticeship, which makes LSBU the largest provider of architecture apprenticeships in the UK.

“Design remains our core activity and our undergraduate studio system offers students even greater choice in developing their particular interests in architecture. The range of topics discussed and our exceptional on-site facilities reflect a dynamism in our teaching and acknowledge the diversity of our students.”

Master of Architecture course statement:

“Postgraduate study at LSBU proposes that architecture is a passion, rather than a means to an end. It requires empathy, diligence and poetics for us to engage critically with the current affairs of the discipline, which goes far deeper than the act of building. It is no coincidence that we ‘practice’ architecture, because can anyone ever profess to have had too much time to design or been able to utterly exhaust the possibilities of the context for which they are designing?

“Master’s level study is essential to architectural education, as it embraces these opportunities to establish a position on our contemporary situation. The 21st century presents more complex challenges than before, as environmental, social, political, economic and technological factors influence the way we interpret the world.

“At LSBU, we believe that the dedication and ideas of students, as the future generation, will change the way we live. To be an architect we have to be professional, responsible but above all compassionate. Fundamentally our role is to not only to serve society but to improve it for the better.”

Edible Marsh by Kate Rutland, first-year BA apprentice

“What can the high street offer that the internet can not? The high street is all about the experience: sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. Every environment is unique. Like our fingerprints, no two are identical. My proposal allows all these senses to be explored through the lifecycle of a vegetable, from seed to plate and compost.

“Edible Marsh provides fresh and sustainable vegetables to the local community of Lower Marsh in Central London. The vegetables are grown on a tree-shaped structure via a hydroponic system that only requires a nutrient solution and water for the plants to grow.”

Email: katerutland@outlook.com
Website: katerutland.webador.co.uk
Project: katerutland.webador.co.uk/edible-marsh

The Lower Marsh Escape Room by Miroslav Hristov, first-year part-time BA student

“Teeming with social, cultural and architectural value, Lower Marsh has lost its spirit due to the lack of opportunities for social connection. As a result, many shops in Lower Marsh Market, one of London’s oldest and best-loved market streets, have closed over the past years.

“The Lower Marsh Escape Room is an attempt to revive this spirit and rejuvenate the location. The proposal includes a public area and commercial premises intended to offer a variety of social activities. The main goal is to facilitate emotional and physical connection between the local community and the tourists.”

Email: miroslav_hristov@yahoo.com
Portfolio: behance.net/hristovmiroslav
Project: behance.net/gallery/the-lower-marsh-escape-room

Lower Marsh Labyrinth by Rory Thrush, first-year BA apprentice

“This project focuses on an assembly space that enriches the local community and market, while also incorporating the urban rituals of the street’s visitors. The building is inspired by colours, labyrinths and Mark Wallinger’s London Underground artwork. It encompasses a multifaceted cultural space, as well as spaces for users to pass through and congregate.

“The project takes the form of a changeable metropolis of market stalls and pop-up units as well as an outdoor cinema space that ensures slower movement, exploration and discovery. Configuring levels, routes and shop spaces enriches people’s regular routine, creates links between spaces and people and separates the experiences from that of online shopping.”

Email: rory.thrush@btinternet.com
Website: thrushr.wixsite.com
Project: thrushr.wixsite.com/lowermarshlabyrinth

Craftown by Desislava Cholakova, second-year BA student

“Craftown is a micro-village in London’s Brick Lane aimed towards creative professionals, where users can benefit from both communal and private spaces in which to work and live. It is a revival of craft in Brick Lane, educated by local creatives and inspired by the area’s history as a weavers’ neighbourhood in the 17th century.

“Although the units are interconnected, each serves a particular industry. Inhabitants are able to customise their space using kinetic, time-based architectural elements. Shafts of light are welcomed to the village throughout the day to signalize the time for specific activities.”

Email: desi.cholakova@abv.bg
Website: desislavacholakova.com

The Parade of Despotism by Jessica Winyard, third-year BA student

“The Parade of Despotism is primarily a digital centre, which both harnesses and develops biometric and blockchain technology to facilitate control in the form of totalitarianism. The building also provides for those with little control, namely the homeless.

“The building is used to develop and store a small communication device. This combines the ‘Hobo Code’ with popular navigation app Waze, to facilitate a virtual urban homeless network. The building’s design contrasts untouchable governmental control with the life of homeless people, presenting moments of interaction and segregation while expressing the inherent irony of the design through the building’s layers and transparencies.”

Email: jessica_winyard@yahoo.com
Website: jessicawinyard.wixsite.com

Embassy Island Residential Scheme and Market by Alan Clarke, third-year BA student

“This proposal is for a seven-storey, mixed-use development, which rises organically from the geometry of its host building. The scheme is connected yet separated from the existing fabric of the Eero Saarinen-designed US Embassy in Mayfair, creating an urban island in Central London.

“The active frontage of the scheme draws users into the market area and invites passers-by to engage with the building. Meanwhile, the residential levels allow for connections to be made between residents, creating a community in the sky above Mayfair. The project is focused on providing an architectural framework, in which these interactions can be encouraged and nurtured.”

Email: alanclarke.85@gmail.com
Website: aalanclarke.tumblr.com