As part of our Graduate Summer Shows, we’re celebrating the bold, innovative work of our final-year students.
One such student is Charlotte Ledger, currently studying Architecture RIBA Part 2 MArch, whose thoughtful and environmentally conscious design work will be featured in this year’s MA Summer Show – a free public exhibition showcasing the creativity and vision of our postgraduate community.
Designing for the Future: Charlotte’s Final Project
Charlotte’s final year project, An Environmental Centre and Energy Plant, is rooted in the unique landscape of Tide Mills, Newhaven. Nestled within the ruins of the abandoned mills, her design reimagines the site as a place of ecological restoration and sustainable energy:
“Although Tide Mills first appears to be a place where ecology and industry are currently coexisting peacefully, with many birds residing there, I realised after reading Benedict MacDonald’s book Rebirding, that this isn’t necessarily the case. In it, he states how our expectations of the countryside are only based on the last few decades – something he calls a shifting baseline – and that it could be so much more than it is today.
“My design, therefore, aims to promote ecological justice, the use of hydro energy in Newhaven and, eventually, decay and growth. The building is proposed in several stages, with it first being built for a series of rewilding workshops and lectures encouraging how we can help our wildlife flourish. During this phase non-humans like birds and invertebrates will be encouraged to nest in the building’s thatched roof eaves and cob walls.
“The second phase will see regular maintenance of the thatch roofs and timbers, so that humans can still occupy the building. Once human occupation is seen as redundant, the final stage will see the building and its natural materials being allowed to feed back into the landscape and non-humans gaining control of the site’s future.”
Why Brighton?
A lifelong local, Charlotte chose the University of Brighton for its focus on ‘real-world’ modules and creative freedom.
“From my interview and the open days I attended, I liked how students were able to make their own design decisions and were encouraged to push the boundaries of architecture.”
Pushing Creative Boundaries
Charlotte credits the design modules in both years of the course as pivotal to her growth: “I went out of my comfort zone and attempted more conceptual projects than I expected to achieve.”
Mentorship and Inspiration
“Duncan Baker-Brown has provided so much support, often showing me his practice’s projects which reflect my own architectural interests – reuse and ecological challenges
Real-World Experience
Brighton’s strong local industry connections often lead to placement opportunities, which Charlotte tells us more about:
“Off the back of the End of Year show last year, I received an email from Brighton-based practice MortonScarr Architects, offering me a summer paid placement. This has led to me working part-time at the practice while completing my Master’s.”
What’s Next?
“After graduation, I hope to continue living and working in Brighton, ideally in a residential practice that will allow me to implement the skills I have learnt.
Advice for Future Students
“Don’t be afraid to design something different—it’s your last chance to go a bit wild and have fun with it. Working one day a week in practice helped me balance pushing boundaries with real-world reflection.”
Interested in studying a Master’s in Architecture?
If you’re ready to take your architectural thinking to the next level, the Architecture RIBA Part 2 MArch at the University of Brighton offers the perfect environment to explore bold ideas, develop your professional identity, and engage with real-world challenges. Whether you’re returning to study or continuing your journey, this course provides the creative freedom, academic support, and industry connections to help you thrive.
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