AJ Student Prize 2023: University of East London

About the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

Undergraduate

Agata Nyckowska

Course BSc (Hons) Architecture
Studio/unit brief Artists in the City (Unit A)
Project title The Art Village

Project description The project aims to create a place for knowledge exchange that serves as a base for both hosting a diverse range of artistic activities and fostering new relationships between local artists and the surrounding community of Hackney. The scheme is strategic in having three consecutive construction phases, each offering versatile spaces for performance and creative workshops and experimental engagement. As it evolves in stages, it seamlessly integrates and upgrades adjacent Deborah House, currently home to over 60 local artists and operated by art studio-provider SPACE. The ground floor features a long street-like theatre space to create multiple opportunities for connecting with surrounding green spaces and public realm. Internally, the layout is permeable to encourage wider formal and informal space activation – the long-term aim is to promote skill and cultural exchange across Hackney and ultimately turn it into a thriving and creative hub.

Tutor citation Agata’s project is informed by a depth of research into Hackney’s artist community and her sensitive and critical reading of the borough’s unique socio-spatial urban context. She developed a personal line of design and research enquiry with the project engaging across multiple scales and a range of themes including social sustainability, circular economy and adaptive reuse. Carsten Jungfer, Fernanda Palmieri

Postgraduate

Stephano Binoi Varikkanikkal

Course MArch
Studio/unit brief Learning from Lanzarote – An Embassy for the Climate Diaspora (Unit 8)
Project title Llegada – The Story of Arrival

Project description The Canary Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands 100km from Africa which once served as one of Europe’s main trading hubs, are now at a melting point where intensive agriculture, mass tourism and an influx of refugees are compelled to coexist. One of the islands, Lanzarote, has seen a huge increase in migrants arriving via boats. Llegada creates a better arrival experience to kickstart the migrant’s future on the island. Functions include health clinics and retreat centres for those arriving, along with an urban beach, landscaped swimming pools and water sports centre – introducing a harmony between the local community and arriving migrants.

Tutor citation This project looks at unifying the migrant and local/tourist community by integrating spatial duality and overlapping of functions. This helps in sustainable uses of spaces and brings everyone together to raise awareness of the issues related to migration. The project acts as a monument to migration. Armor Gutierrez Rivas, Rosa Rogina

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