Category: Life at Brighton

Set of four drawings of inside spaces

Graduates 2023: Khadiga El Shakhs, Interior Architecture BA(Hons)

I have been given the freedom to use my voice and create a healthy inclusive working environment for me and my peers, which has made my journey as an international student so much easier.

Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences

The main influences behind my work stem from my side passion for the field of fashion, textiles and styling. All of my projects attempt to merge influences from both fields of design. I started exploring different ways in which I can incorporate fashion into architecture through material experimentation specifically using textiles. For example, I started making models out of fabrics and learning how to sew in order to put stuff together. This allowed me to apply a technique that would usually be used in fashion, to architecture. A common area that I found between both practices was sustainability, hence through my projects I was able to learn about sustainable materials and precedent studies in fashion and in architecture. This led me to write my dissertation titled: “the interconnection between fashion and architecture”. 

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Group of young people using VR headsets

A taste of student life at our Applied Science and Engineering residential summer school

Our on campus residential summer school is open for applications from year 12 students who are thinking about applying to science and engineering courses at university. Apply now.

The summer is school is a real opportunity to try out what it’s like to study at university, learn and use the facilities on our Moulsecoomb campus and stay on site in student halls – giving a real taste of student life.

During the day participants take part in a programme of science and engineering taster lectures and practical sessions run by academics and student ambassadors, as well has sessions about applying to university, student life Q&A, a session from the library team and a talk from Brighton Students Union.

In the evenings there are social activities which could be a trip to the beach, a BBQ or bowling before heading back to the halls of residence. Participants share a student flat in our Moulsecoomb halls, with their own bedroom in a flat with 6-8 others, and shared living room/kitchen.

Group of young people sitting on the floor in a circle working
Group of young people using VR headsets
Young people outside Herstmonceaux observatory
Close up of young people in white lab coats using a pipette and test tube
Two scientists in white lab coats hidden by smoke doing an experiment

In the evenings there are social activities which could be a trip to the beach, a BBQ or bowling before heading back to the halls of residence. Summer school participants share a student flat in our halls, with their own bedroom in a flat with 6-8 students and shared living room/kitchen.

By the end of the week everyone will have tried out lots different science and engineering sessions, made new friends and have a much idea of what it’s like to move to university!

Book your place

Applications are open until 31 May. We would love to see you there!

More about University of Brighton summer schools

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Architectural drawing

Graduates 2023: Hannah Lammiman, Architecture BA(Hons)

As soon as we got to experience the studio culture, everyone kept motivating each other to create a positive environment to work in. 

Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences 

Growing up in Vienna, Austria, I always admired the architecture that I was surrounded by. Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos were two of the main architects that I looked up to and researched as they had many influences on Viennese architecture. They also influenced the way I then started designing. Coming to England has led me to admire architects such as Flores I Prats, particularly the way they draw and the attention to detail they apply to their drawings.

After having started a housing project in my final year, Sophie Delhay has always been an architect that I would go back to as she focuses on social housing, exploring living and human relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed diving into residential architecture for my final design as it deals with architectural and urban design problems involving issues of both collectivity and individuality. The main focus was on the relationship between the inside and outside exploring the sequence of arrival and departure. 

Architectural drawing
Architectural drawing of an inside space
Architectural drawing
Architectural drawing of an inside space
Architectural drawing
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View of architecture students wooden structure in the market

Brighton Open Market pop up architecture show

Congratulations to our first year Architecture students who have been working so hard on their timber pavilions. These have now been installed at Brighton Open Market in the City Centre where the general public can view them. The Open Market on London Road is this years site for design proposals and for the installation of their One to One constructions which form the basis of their group work for the construction technology modules.

Students worked together to create the four constructions installed for our pop-up show. The constructions are based on the students’ individual designs from the first semester, applying their theoretical knowledge to practical designs, honing their skills and enhancing their understanding of the design process.

Do go and see them…..

View of architecture students wooden structure in the market
Person looking at architecture students wooden structures in the market
Person crouching infront of architecture students wooden structures
People walking next to architecture students wooden structure in the market
Close up of inside of a cone structure with magazine articles stuck to it
Close up of cone-like architecture students wooden structure
Back of a group of people infront of architecture students wooden structures
Close up for the back of a wooden, cone-like structure

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Graduates 2023: Zenida Fernandes, Architecture BA(Hons)

I am excited to use my skills and knowledge as an undergraduate student to contribute to the creation of new ideas that will improve and enhance the lives of those who inhabit them.  

Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences

As an Architecture student, I am passionate about creating spaces that are both fun and enjoyable to the people who inhabit them. Therefore, when designing any project, I always factor in how people will interact with the space and the journey one takes through the building. I believe that Architects have the ability to create a powerful impact on individuals through their designs, and this is something that excites me about studying Architecture.

Over the past three years, my work has been highly influenced by architects of both the past and present, incorporating aspects of their design into my own projects by exploring various possibilities and determining which one suits the requirements of the specific project. My design process has been very iterative, beginning with an initial concept and then refining it in accordance with research and feedback. I also strongly believe in the importance of site visits, as they allow designers to gain a better understanding of space and context and how this might influence your design.  I am passionate about my work, and I am constantly looking for ways to improve my design and push the boundaries of what is possible. 

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Graduates 2023: Olivia Gillam, Architecture BA(Hons)

With a great sense of studio culture, the tutors offer unconditional support tailored to each student.

Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences 

I’d say that my work has a strong emphasis on story telling in a playful and compassionate manner. Creating thoughtful and considerate designs through working closely with the community or tackling current socio-political issues is something that I’ve gravitated towards throughout my projects. For example, I most recently designed a Temporary Accommodation Village above Brighton Stations railway tracks. Inspired by Seneca Village and Moria Refugee Camp, residents can build ‘parasites’ onto their homes through a self-build culture, adding personalisation and a sense of belonging, regardless of how long they might be living there- making the temporary feel permanent.  

How have you found your course and time at Brighton? 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time studying Architecture at Brighton University. With a great sense of studio culture, the tutors offer unconditional support tailored to each student. We are all very close-knit and it’s just a lovely environment to be a part of. I feel a lot more confident the other side of university, ready to start my Architectural career.  

How did you choose your course – why did you choose to study Architecture? 

I started my A-Levels where I was studying English Literature, Biology and Psychology. After feeling so uninspired by the lack of creativity in the courses that I’d chosen, I dropped out and began my Architectural studies at Chichester College where I did a L3 Diploma in Architecture and Interior Design. I feel as though this course set me up well for university and consolidated my desire to (one day) become a fully-qualified Architect. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I intend on completing my year out in practice before the long road ahead to becoming fully qualified. I may go on a holiday or two before though! 

Architecture BA(Hons) at Brighton
Chat to a current student

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Screen shot running of computer game project

Computing project exhibition 2023: Andrew Lucas, Digital Games Development BSc(Hons)

I genuinely believe that that the placement year and the learnings I have been able to make through my university modules have all combined to create a step-change in my expertise, motivation, self-discipline and positive attitude towards the future.
This has already translated to the fact that I have been fortunate to secure a place on a graduate programme.

Please tell us a bit about your project

The final year project focuses on some of the frustrations with savepoints, checkpoints and death in a video game. I chose this topic because I believe many video games take a different approach to these three features, so much so that I often lost interest in the game. I decided to work on a research paper to look at possible solutions and hopefully find a better approach and ultimately improve the user experience.

I decided to focus on picking my supervisor very early in the schedule and looking back I think this was the best decision I could have made. Regular meetings and discussions with him have been instrumental in guiding me in the right direction, especially with planning, meeting deadlines and technical guidance.

The facilities at the university have also been very helpful, especially in supporting me with access to the extensive amount of research I needed to do. I was also able to access fellow students to support me in various stages of the testing – both were invaluable in helping me create the result.

Screen shot running of computer game project
Screenshot of computer game project
Photo of Andrew Lucas
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Graduates 2023: Leonor De Bronac De Vazelhes, Architecture BA(Hons)

I was very well surrounded by tutors, who constantly challenged my designs and provided me with endless references.

Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences

I would describe my work as sensitive, fun and in harmony with nature. I take inspiration from Japanese architecture, notably Son Fujimoto whose design philosophy is that the purpose of a building is determined by the way people use it. Other key influences in my work are the designs of Maggie’s centres. They taught me about the healing qualities of materiality and layout for both physical and mental health. I have carried this knowledge throughout my undergrad, ensuring that all my designs portrayed this sensitivity and thought, putting user experience at the forefront of design. I intend to keep designing with those qualities in mind once I join the professional world.

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Students and an ambassador working in a comuter room

Celebrating ten years of Saturday clubs at Brighton

This year we are celebrating year ten years of the University of Brighton Saturday clubs delivered by the outreach team. Hundreds of secondary school students in years 9-11 have benefited from attending clubs in subjects as diverse as photography, science, architecture, mechanical engineering, printmaking and fashion.

The Saturday clubs are targeted at groups which are under-represented at universities, for example young people who live in low participation postcodes, children in care, free school meals and other widening participation criteria. This work supports our Access and Participation Plan (APP) target to reduce the gap in participation in HE from students in underrepresented groups by 2024/25.

Students come onto campus every week to work with academics and gain hands on experience using our industry standard facilities, as well as learning from and chatting to student ambassador’s about subject areas they are interested in and finding out more about what it’s like to be a student.

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Internal walkway graphic

Finalist in Urban Design Group National Student Competition

Congratulations to Architectural and Urban Design MA student Rafa Grosso Macpherson, who is a finalist in the Urban Design Group’s national annual student competition.

Rafa’s concept design is based on the need to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies, starting by retaining existing structures and surfaces in an effort to reduce embodied energy from demolition and new building. But it is also an honest celebration of the industrial heritage of the 20th Century, many times forgotten and replaced with ‘anywhere developments’. One of the drivers for this concept design was to activate the derelict site with a network of destinations and hubs that will provide a function to residents, workers and visitors. Overall, the concept design tries to remain realistic but aspirational of a better future for people that feels connected to their place and the landscape.

Architectural graphic of a flow chart
Internal walkway graphic
Graphic of people standing on a terrace
Architectural and Urban Design MA

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