This weeks students work is by Kuda Mushangi, a Zimbabwean born raised in the UK Part II Graduate. Kuda studied both his Part I and Part II at the University of Liverpool (School of Architecture), graduating with his RIBA Part II this year, 2020. For his Part I experience Kuda worked for Glancy Nicholls Architects in Birmingham, primarily working on high-end residential projects, enabling him to continue to develop his passion for housing within the profession. Kuda has also dedicated part of his time to be a committee member for the Liverpool Young Architects Society.
Outside of Architecture, Kuda is an artist. Primarily using oil paints to address racial injustice, Black experience, and Black vulnerability - though the topics can change from time to time. Kuda was recently exhibited by Tate + Tate Collective following an open call competition in August 2020, a great achievement! His work was then featured on a billboard in Brixton, London over summer, another great achievement! In October 2020 Kuda was chosen by 'UK Isn't Innocent' (UKII), UK Youth Collective focused on highlighting racial injustice, education and conversation about black issues, where he was part of their virtual exhibition which celebrated unheard black and Jewish artists.
For the future Kuda plans to gain experience and progress towards becoming a qualified Architect whilst continuing to build his brand as an artist under his studio named studio:kudakwashe (@studio.kudakwashe on Instagram)
Please view Kuda's work below.
| Project Overview
Project title: Not In My Back Yard! The Degeneration of Social Housing
Not In My Back Yard! addresses the issues of contemporary social housing in the UK and its devolution throughout the 20th century. Focusing on the context of Liverpool and working in collaboration with Liverpool City Council on the live project, the thesis tests new strategies for the design of social housing and development of suburban neighbourhoods through liaising with local authorities and community groups to alleviate existing issues whilst promoting community cohesion. Funnily enough, the given site for the Thesis(Carnatic) was where I lived in my first year at University in 2014 - a fitting ending to my time in Architecture School/University.
The thesis was awarded the Sikorski Memorial Prize for best interior design and the LAS // Liverpool Architectural Society Award for best overall project.
| Project Aim
The main point we wanted to address is the common approach throughout the 20th century that public space has always been viewed as the subsidiary in design due to the prioritisation of housing density. We wanted to prove that by adding social amenities, engaging with communities, and carefully designing a range of public spaces it was possible to introduce a social housing scheme within an affluent area which is accepted by the new residents and the existing community.
Comments