City and Islington College students build up their knowledge with the Royal Institute of British Architects

Students from City and Islington College gained a firm foundation in architecture and town planning when they visited the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Eighteen A Level and Engineering diploma students discovered more about historic and modern design at the institute’s head office in Portland Place, Marylebone.

They attended an exhibition to mark the centenary of the Becontree Estate in Dagenham, heard about its history and looked at how the estate had changed over the years.

The students then discussed contemporary housing and planning issues and created 3D paper houses and a new neighbourhood to meet the needs of new residents.

A Level student Clarissa Alie, 18, said: “I’ve been interested in architecture for a while and I’m hoping to study it at university. I’ve travelled quite a bit in my life and like to see architectural designs in different places. I like the idea of doing something creative that can enhance a community and the environment.

“The trip focused on analysing building schemes, seeing what can be improved about them and communities and what different places need. We made little houses out of paper and planned out an area that was appropriate for the people that would be living there and the things they would need, such as schools, shops and parks.

“We also looked at an exhibition on the Becontree Estate and they explained things we’d pointed out to them. They also told us about courses and the various jobs you can do in architecture. It was very informative and insightful.”

CANDI is looking to become part of RIBA’s Architecture Ambassador initiative, which pairs architecture professionals with teachers to run workshops in schools and colleges to inspire children and young people to learn and share their views on the built environment.

Bryony Abbott, Schools Programme Co-ordinator at RIBA, said: “It was a pleasure to have City and Islington College to visit the RIBA’s headquarters. It was lovely to see the breadth of built environment careers students were interested in pursuing, and to see how engaged they were in learning more.

“The students took well to the interactivity of the session. They thought critically about how our built environment is designed and developed, and were fully engaged in the process of drawing and model making.

“We look forward to working with City and Islington students again in the near future.”

Britain needs to build more homes, and engineers play a very important role in any housing or commercial development, including understanding the structural and mechanical aspects of the development before work stats and during construction.

Start your journey to a career in this exciting and growing sector, by applying now for our A Level and Engineering courses.