The Architects’ Journal Architecture News & Buildings
About the Department of Architecture
Location Cambridge | Courses BA (Hons) Architecture, MArch, Architect Degree Apprenticeship Level 7 (RIBA validation pending) | Head of school James Campbell | Full-time tutors 16 | Part-time tutors 34 | Students 249 | Staff to student ratio 1:8
Undergraduate
Valeriia Chemerisova
Course BA (Hons) Architecture
Studio/unit brief Common Ground: Effective Spaces (Studio 3)
Project title Dis-enclosing the Land through Permaculture: a conscious approach to landscape
Project description The proposal aims to open the listed agricultural land adjoining Stanford Hall Manor House in Leicestershire by reviving the public pathway network, which existed before its enclosure in 1842. It challenges agricultural monoculture by upscaling existing permaculture practices. The aim is to make a built framework where the land is accessed, managed and enjoyed by its land workers and residents. Buildings use locally sourced materials such as reclaimed and hand-made brick, thatch and timber. The raised walkway is paved with glazed bricks.
Tutor citation Valeriia took an archaeological approach to the site, uncovering its history of land enclosures and tracking the site’s transition from common land with public rights of way to disconnected swathes of privatised monocultural fields. Anastasia Glover, Rosie Hervey, Margit Kraft
Postgraduate
Samuel Walton
Course MA in Architecture and Urban Design (MAUD) (now discontinued)
Studio/unit brief Sample Studio
Project title A Return to a True Vernacular: Re-establishing a Local Material Culture in the Lincolnshire Wolds
Project description The project helps develop a framework for integrating architectural, agricultural and biodiversity goals to meet COP26 promises. The vision of localised material production looks to create a circular world where construction is part of the natural process rather than an obstruction. Interventions include agroforestry and rewilding of grazing land and inefficient areas. This in turn frees up farmstead sites for use as natural material production facilities, using waste residues such as straw, clay lime, hemp and flax.
Tutor citation Sam’s work is born of practice and conviction, without pretence, hubris or naivety. His project is not only enormously convincing, it offers a genuinely meaningful contribution to architects, urban planners, and policymakers alike. Conrad Koslowsky, Sabrina Puddu