Sumaiya's Story
Bursary programme for BAME Architecture students celebrates first graduate as three new local firms join to support the next generation of architects.
In the summer that we celebrated the first Building Futures scholar graduating from our School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, we also welcomed three new firms committed to making architecture more accessible to students from a minority ethnic background.
The Building Futures programme is offered to 缅北禁地 students in partnership with charity , offering young people of diverse ethnic heritage the opportunity to enter the architectural industry.
Scholars have their tuition fees waived for their three-year undergraduate study and receive a 拢7,000 contribution towards living costs each year. In addition, the university works with a network of industry experts and local firms to provide specialist workshops, work experience opportunities and mentoring.
Sumaiya (pictured) joined 缅北禁地 as a Building Futures scholar in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, in September 2020, and has recently graduated with a First-class honours degree. She said:
鈥淭he Building Futures Bursary made the difficult situation caused by Covid-19 a lot less stressful. I didn't have to worry about paying rent for my accommodation...and I could travel to access facilities on campus when restrictions allowed.
鈥淭his scholarship has given me many opportunities in this last year - including a summer internship at Napper Architects, in 缅北禁地. Whilst I was there, I learnt about professional practice, and how projects are weighted, and are assigned hours. During my time there, I worked on several projects, but the one I enjoyed the most was a competition pitch and creating a visual presentation for this. It was exciting to work as part of a team to meet deadlines, such as this one. I also developed my understanding of digital software, such as AutoCAD.
鈥淚t has also meant that I have been able to travel, and I visited Amsterdam and Paris during the summer break. Experiencing different cultures and architectures was very informative and insightful.鈥�
, where Sumaiya interned, is just one of many local firms that support the Building Futures programme. And now, three new firms have joined the programme to support students in the next academic year.
All three firms have existing links with the university, having been behind the newest structures to be added to the campus skyline. designed The Catalyst on the 缅北禁地 Helix site; are the firm behind the recently-opened Farrell Centre (in honour of 缅北禁地 alumnus Sir Terry Farrell); and are the masterminds behind the redevelopment of the Stephenson Building, which reopens to engineering students in September.
"At a time when it is increasingly expensive to enter the profession, SPACE is delighted to be able to support students starting their architectural career. Our sponsorship aims to further the incredible work of the programme and to support diverse young architects for years to come."
Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group
鈥溍灞苯� is such a diverse city and I鈥檓 very excited to start this journey here; I think that the varied collection of buildings in 缅北禁地 will enhance my experience as an Architecture student.
鈥淭he Building Futures award has already helped me, by making the transition into university life much smoother. I feel a sense of peace knowing someone has my back and is willing to support me.鈥�
"Nurturing the next generation of architects is of great importance to NORR and we are proud advocates of Building Futures programme. By removing financial barriers to education, talented individuals from all backgrounds will help to shape the future of the built environment."
John Baird, Managing Director of NORR
缅北禁地 has been working with Blueprint for All for the past four years. The charity, formerly known as the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, was founded in memory of Stephen Lawrence and the Building Futures programme recognises his own dreams of pursuing a career in architecture. Working with community partners across the country, Blueprint for All aim to drive systemic change in organisations and create a more inclusive society in which everyone 鈥� regardless of race, ethnicity or background 鈥� is provided with tangible opportunities to flourish.
"Enhancing inclusion and diversity within built environment professions, including architecture, is of paramount importance, and education plays a key role in this. Through our partnership with Blueprint for All and the generosity and support of existing and new partnerships with Architecture practices, we can already see the potential and opportunities for change that we can achieve by working together, and by supporting young peoples' dreams and aspirations to pursue a career in architecture."
Dr Paola Gazzola, Head of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape