As we approach the end of summer, we are reflecting on this years exhibitions we held for our community of designers and artists. Exhibitions are one of our favourite things to do at POC in Architecture as it brings people together, connects different people from varied spaces and provides the opportunity to showcase and network.
POC in Architecture Annual Student Exhibition
This student exhibition is held once a year to celebrate the work of the Part I and Part II architecture students who are on our mentoring programme. The 2024 programme had students from across the UK such as, University of Westminster, UCL, University of Liverpool, University of Greenwich, Manchester School of Architecture, Leeds Beckett University, and many more. Students are paired with a practicing architect, and have sessions once a month for four months, the aim of these sessions is to bridge the gap between university and practice whilst providing any other architectural advice that might be needed. We had a variety of architects, from newly qualified to directors of studios, here are a few of the companies that our mentors came from; Allies and Morrison, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick Studio, Reddeer, Morrow + Lorraine, Adjaye Associate, BDP, Clear Architects, Fourfoursixsix Architects and more!
The exhibition was held in July at Morris + Company’s exhibition space at their office in East London. It gave an opportunity for all those who were involved in the mentoring programme to meet, network and celebrate their architectural journey. It provided a safe space and increased representation by bringing these students together, it also provided an occasion for students to network with all the architects involved and guests, encouraging them to talk about their projects and career aspirations.
Architectural student Amal Ali with Mentor Tanatswa Borerwe (Architect at HTA and Illustrator)
RIBA London Regional Chair Damion Burrows who is also director of DMBA views student projects for selection
Larry Botchway Architect and Co Founder of POoR Collective discusses student project with POC in Architecture Founder and Architect Savannah Williams
As part of the exhibtion launch, Damion Burrows (RIBA London Regional Chair) selected two projects for ‘best efforts’. The first winner was a fourth year student Mofaramoluwa Oladipo from University of Bath, her project Re-imagining the Swindon Museum & Art, addresses the desire for a vibrant cultural centre in Swindon. The proposal envisioned a bold new hub, dynamic museum and art gallery, acting as a catalyst for cultural development. This project was selected because of the students ability to tackle a difficult slender site and the thought through design of the facade. The second winner was a Part I Graduate Ebunoluwa Fasoyiro, from the University of Liverpool. Ebuns project was a pioneering art college dedicated to inspiring creativity across diverse disciplines. The project features a central atrium, transparent studios and workshops. This project was selected by the RIBA London Chair for its level of detail in creating dynamic and diverse spaces.
Mofaramoluwa Oladipo and her project (top middle)
Ebunoluwa Fasoyiro And her project (bottom)
Intersections Exhibition
For a second year in a row POC in Architecture held an exhibition that combined architectural designers and other creative disciplines together to exhibit and showcase their art. This summer Intersections was launched, a collaborative exhibition between POC in Architecture and ArchitectureLGBT+, hosted by Corner, New Cross. This unique exhibition explores identity, place and story telling through art by Black and south Asian queer artist and architectural designers. Each artist also had a portrait taken by professional photographer and Architect LGBT+ member Aaaron Hargreaves’s, this was so visitors could put a face to the artwork and connect with the exhibition further. Artists who are currently showing work (until closing on the 13th of September) are:
Hana Baraja
Asher Bourne
Launch night: visitors viewing Sylvester Mairs art work, Its Not Black and White
Launch night: Shiva Monzola being photographed in front of his hand drawn art piece
Launch night: visitors viewing Ashita Roongta’s portrait and text
The name of the exhibition Intersections speaks to the importance of creating spaces that cross paths with multiple communities, we wanted to create something that spoke to many and united people. Individuals often face discrimination based on multiple aspects of their identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, or class. Intersectional events recognize that these experiences are interconnected and can compound each other. By addressing these overlapping forms of oppression, such events can more effectively advocate for change and support all aspects of a person's identity. The launch allowed participants to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives. Such exchange of ideas can lead to a deeper understanding of how different forms of discrimination intersect and how best to address them. It challenges participants to think beyond their own experiences and consider the broader implications of their activism.
If you would like to catch the last few weeks of the Intersections exhibition, please visit Corner, New Cross.
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