Architecture Competition RE-Stock London Housing Honorable mention – BARTLETT

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to one of our Honorable mention winners for our “RE-Stock London Housing” competition – Luke Draper from the United Kingdom!

Luke Draper from the United Kingdom

I am currently studying my MArch (Part II) at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. I spent the previous two years in the industry, working hands-on in two small practices on a range of bespoke residential schemes. Here, and in my postgraduate unit, I found a passion for housing and became more aware of the impact of having a social conscience within design.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/individuals have been involved?

Working on a number of residential schemes for con | form architects during my Part I placement, I gained key experience on a wide range of small-scale residential typologies which helped to shape my architectural interests.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture as a medium transcends merely the aesthetics of the built form, it is much more about the way in which people inhabit the spaces and how it can shape their lives for better or for worse. I believe that architects should have a persistent interest in the social impact of their decisions; to be focused less on architecture as a force for profit and more on its ability to help those that are disadvantaged in the world today. I believe that within architecture there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained by looking outside your own sphere into the rich blend of cultures that inhabit our built world, listening to the end user, and starting from there.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Architecture vision competitions offer a chance to develop proposals based on a diversity of briefs that allow for wide speculation on architectural ideas. Whilst they are grounded in contemporary issues, they allow for the freedom to engage in a far more conceptual way. This ability to design with fewer constraints offers an opportunity to enhance our creative thinking skills and demonstrate our abilities to a wider audience.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

My advice would be to take a chance, the skills learnt through participation are invaluable. Competitions are great practice for real world issues, and there’s always the chance you can be rewarded for your hard work!