@Leeds Beckett University
Jeremy Leclercq: BArch, MArch, Part 2
Assistant 2022 to 2023
What interests me most in architecture is the question of its positioning and responsibility in today‘s world, facing current issues such as climate change, lack of resources and continuous social changes.
How to live together tomorrow, in a world that is becoming hotter, more globalized and with more and more social inequalities?
Cosmina Mirica: BSc(Hons), MArch, Part 2 Assistant 2021 to 2022
As current living conditions demand more from the architect not only as a designer but as a person, the need for social engagement and shift towards sustainable works has seen an increase in the world of architectural design. I think architects must employ good practice standards, embrace and utilise environmental strategies as well as promote the need for change not only within practice and projects but as a way of living in an ever changing environment.
Michele Prendini: BA(Hons) Post Part 2 Assistant 2019
I believe a well-designed project can transform the way people think, connecting them and leading to a dialogue. In a world of political and social changes, climate and energetic problems, migrations and lack of equality’, designing a space has consequences, which cannot be limited to the individual but must be extended to the community. I have always tried to show this social aspect of architecture during my studies and now I wish to work as much as I can with minority communities, using architecture to face their social problems.
Hanzla Asghar: BA(Hons) Post Part 2 Assistant 2018
For me architecture is a tool to put across a position. A position that could formulate itself as social, political and economic, addressing a specific narrative and context of a project. My aim is to represent the underrepresented. Communities that have previously been forgotten and neglected should have a specific and permanent interface within the urban fabric of the city, representing individual and communal narratives.
I like to think critically about architecture, society, culture and issues facing minority communities and how architecture can be used to tackle these issues.
Graham Davey: BA(Hons) Post Part 1 Assistant 2015 to 2017
I initially entered architecture as a way to challenge myself and have since, through my work with Project Office and Leeds Beckett University, seen the positive role architecture can play on helping establish and change positive community traits.
As I continue my studies I want to explore further the power of architecture in the community and the key role schools of architecture can play in breaking away from off the shelf architectural solutions and ensuring good quality design is accessible to those who need it the most.
Paul Hansell: Part 1 Assistant 2014
Architects are taught to question the way of doing things, and this has led to one of my primary interests in architecture; to challenge ourselves, so that our designs respond to environmental change and close the loop on sustainable development to protect future generations. My work and working practices are constantly evolving and I believe that there is always room to learn and improve, so that a project is never truly ended and can always be reflected upon to positively inform my future work.
Andy Pye: BA(Hons), MA, ARB Part 2 Assistant 2013 to 2015
I believe architecture should be used as a tool for social, environmental and technological change. People, culture and context are integral to all good design. As designers, we are presented with exciting opportunities to address pressing local and global environmental issues with each new design. My passion for humanitarian design has stemmed from taking part in a volunteering project constructing a wind turbine for a small coastal village in The Gambia.
Craig Stott: MEng, BArch, MA, ARB:
Co-Director
I am interested in the impact of ‘Live’ project learning within architectural education by establishing its value for both the students involved and the communities who act as client for the work undertaken. The intention is to utilise the power of student design to foster ecological and social sustainability in deprived communities through this pedagogic tool.
Dr. Simon Warren: BA(Hons)Dip(Arch) Architect RIBA FRSA: Co-Director
I am interested in the role of the architect. How do architects practice with ethical grace and respond to climate change and energy depletion imperatives? How should architects make their skills available to underrepresented communities so that they can make positive changes to their environments? My PhD is titled Architecture Live Projects: Situated Learning Agility.
Steering Group
Aimee Rogers
Alex Vafiadis
Amy Featherstone
Gabrielle Beaumont
Graham Davey
Hanzla Asghar
Jade Moore
Steven McCloy