MArch Architecture

The freedom to pursue and nurture my own skills and areas of interest is something that was important to me when making my decision to study MArch at Sheffield. The course offers a well-rounded and grounded learning experience, by encouraging originality and creativity that is relevant towards current social issues. Live Projects have been one of the most enjoyable parts of the course. The connection between education and the real world has been invaluable in preparing me for my future career in architecture.

I strongly value and share the social ethos at the University of Sheffield. The Live Projects in particular, serve to cultivate our investigative and creative potential. The inherent public engagement and co-design work we carry out can be really empowering for the communities we work with. In many cases, this has had a lasting impact. The ‘Live’ nature of the work we do makes our projects practical and realistic within the professional context. Since design is universal and architecture is ubiquitous, it’s great that our studios and projects are not limited to Sheffield. This provides a new approach to similar issues in different contexts.

My studies at Sheffield have allowed me to cover a wide range of disciplines in architecture and other fields, but more importantly, have inspired me to explore innovative techniques and technologies for the contemporary city. Communication, collaboration and research are embedded in the work we do, from an initial project meeting through to final delivery. My experiences therefore, have been very enriching. For example, my studio in Brussels last year (Re-Activist Architecture) allowed me to apply my design thinking in a completely different social, political and geographical context.

Studying at Sheffield has truly reinforced my appreciation and aspiration towards socially conscious design within the profession. In an era of rapid urbanization, environmental pressure and resources scarcity, the need for conservation and sustainable practice remains critical.

I am continuously using my design skills which I developed during the course. Working collaboratively, as is promoted at Sheffield, is also something which is directly used on a daily basis in my job. As an ASF Associate I am able to directly apply the research I undertook during my MArch dissertation to my work for the charity.

During my time at Sheffield I tried to make the most of what the university had to offer. I undertook a French language module, joined the triathlon club, organised lectures for the Architecture Society and started a new Humanitarian Architecture Society. I also went to a lot of lectures, talks and symposiums held by other courses and departments within the University, at Sheffield Hallam and across the city. This gave me a greater understanding of the context we’re working in and a different perspective on design. Sheffield is full of friendly people and they really make it a home-from-home when you’re at university. Beyond that, the Peak District is on the doorstep - it’s something I really miss now I’m gone.