Meet our students - Lucy Palmer
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Architecture RIBA Part 2 PGDip
I’m in the first year of the Architecture Postgraduate Diploma. In the first couple of weeks tutors gave us mini-presentations about what we would cover in their studios. Then you choose which studio you want to join. For example, there is an 'agri-tecture' studio that considers integrating agriculture into architecture and another studio that looked at the urban environment and sustainability. For me thinking about the future is very much the focus of the course.
Places from Spaces project
During the first few weeks of the course there was a getting-to-know-you exercise where all students worked on the same project to develop an idea for a temporary transformation. From that I was selected as a winner of the Places from Spaces project to develop a project that will transform Victoria Gardens, an underused green space in Brighton’s Valley Gardens Conservation Area, from 5-11 June 2009.
My main aim is to get the public back into the space, using it in different ways. I’m hopeful that people will enjoy seeing the park full of greenery in this very urban environment. I’ve decided to use six different species of tree, with different height and densities to create an interesting landscape across the site. All the trees are now potted and waiting to go on site.
Before joining this course
I did my Architecture degree in Brighton and after two years of work experience I’ve come back to do my diploma.
In those two years, I first worked for Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects in London. I got the job there as a result of the graduate show, they saw my work and took my card. Then for the second year I worked for Allen Associates which was completely different – the first was residential architecture and the second commercial.
Back to Brighton
It was nice to come back. I had a good experience on the Architecture BA(Hons) course. When I came to the open day it just grabbed me. I could see myself being and working here.
I think that Brighton’s architecture courses have a really nice mix of technology and art. I like the studio space. You can come and leave your work, be messy and creative, but be technological at the same time. Although I like the art side, I hadn’t done art A-level and didn’t have an art and design foundation diploma so I wanted that technology side too.
A typical day
It’s constantly hard work! I often have early starts and late nights. Architecture is like that, you can’t just cram for an exam. if I'm working at home I often work through the day on my computer using graphics, working in 2D or 3D for critiques, pin-ups or tutorials. Making models is also good fun.
When I’m in university it’s usually for pinning-up. You have to get used to talking in front of people every week. It’s good preparation for working life because when you have to pitch to clients you have to do it all the time. Tutorials are often full days that start at 10am. Everyone walks around to look at each others work and ask questions. We have lots of good debates when we’re all in together.
Living and studying in Brighton
Brighton is great because it’s like a mini-London. I like the way that the university spreads out across the city - it’s not all in one place on a campus. I really like going down to St.Peters library. I was up at Varley Halls in the first year and it was nice to be spread out and integrated into the city.
Future plans
I have another year left, but after that I hope to work in London and hopefully start my own practice in a couple of years time. I think the London 2012 Olympics will create more work in the industry both now and after the games.
