Author Archives: Joana Polonia

Cultural Formations Featured in Varsity

“Deftly combining explorations into local history and collective memory with a celebration of modern architectural craft, ABA envisions a diverse urban environment in which buildings are shaped by, and for, their community.”

Varsity‘s Zoe Turoff penned this glowing review of our recent exhibition ‘Cultural Formations’.

“Deftly combining explorations into local history and collective memory with a celebration of modern architectural craft, ABA envisions a diverse urban environment in which buildings are shaped by, and for, their community.”

Varsity‘s Zoe Turoff penned this glowing review of our recent exhibition ‘Cultural Formations’.

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Rubicon on 2022 Housing Design Awards Shortlist Rubicon

Rubicon, for Hill, has been shortlisted in the 2022 Housing Design Awards. Currently on site, Rubicon will signify a unique new urban character for North West Cambridge’s southern fringe that has diversity, adaptability and cycling based urban living at its heart.

Rubicon, for Hill, has been shortlisted in the 2022 Housing Design Awards. Currently on site, Rubicon will signify a unique new urban character for North West Cambridge’s southern fringe that has diversity, adaptability and cycling based urban living at its heart.

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Unity Place Shortlisted in the 2022 Housing Design Awards Unity Place

Unity Place has been shortlisted for the 2022 Housing Design Awards. The result of a collaboration between Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Alison Brooks Architects and Gort Scott, with landscape by Grant Associates, the scheme re-integrates the site and its communities into the wider South Kilburn neighbourhood.

Unity Place has been shortlisted for the 2022 Housing Design Awards. The result of a collaboration between Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Alison Brooks Architects and Gort Scott, with landscape by Grant Associates, the scheme re-integrates the site and its communities into the wider South Kilburn neighbourhood.

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Alison Brooks to speak at The Good Business Festival

Wed, 03/23/22 , 11:10
Met Cathedral Crypt, Liverpool
Met Cathedral Crypt, Liverpool

Join Alison Brooks in conversation with Osama Bhutta and Ayesha Hazarika, as part of The Good Business Festival. Titled House Nation, the panel discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities of post-lockdown living: how can designers and urban planners rethink housing design and placemaking?

Join Alison Brooks in conversation with Osama Bhutta and Ayesha Hazarika, as part of The Good Business Festival. Titled House Nation, the panel discussion will delve into the challenges and opportunities of post-lockdown living: how can designers and urban planners rethink housing design and placemaking?

Wed, 03.23.22 , 11:10
Met Cathedral Crypt, Liverpool
Met Cathedral Crypt, Liverpool
When
Where
Met Cathedral Crypt, Liverpool
Joana Polonia [less..]

Cultural Formations

Fri, 02/18/22
Clare Hall, Cambridge
Clare Hall, Cambridge
Cultural Formations brings together a selection of our practice’s most significant cultural and urban projects from the last 20 years. Each of these works translates specific social histories, urban archetypes and iconographies into contemporary space and form while at the same time celebrating architectural craft.
Cultural Formations brings together a selection of our practice’s most significant cultural and urban projects from the last 20 years. Each of these works translates specific social histories, urban archetypes and iconographies into contemporary space and form while at the same time celebrating architectural craft.
The exhibition includes models, photography, drawings and other imagery to provide a window into the practice’s project of cultural formation, whereby the role of architecture is to communicate both an enduring civic generosity and an expressive language particular to its place and time.
Fri, 02.18.22
Clare Hall, Cambridge
Clare Hall, Cambridge
When
Where
Clare Hall, Cambridge
Joana Polonia [less..]

Cohen Quadrangle Shortlisted for the RIBA South Awards 2022

A building within a building, our Cohen Quadrangle, Exeter College, Oxford, UK has been shortlisted for this year’s edition of the RIBA South Awards. The 18-strong shortlist will be assessed by a regional jury with the winning projects announced later this Spring.

A building within a building, our Cohen Quadrangle, Exeter College, Oxford, UK has been shortlisted for this year’s edition of the RIBA South Awards. The 18-strong shortlist will be assessed by a regional jury with the winning projects announced later this Spring.

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FT | Wanted: more architectural careers designed for women

“Culturally, we still expect women to bear the primary role of childcare and running a home.” – in conversation with FT, Alison Brooks reflects on the career-structure problem for women architects.

“Culturally, we still expect women to bear the primary role of childcare and running a home.” – in conversation with FT, Alison Brooks reflects on the career-structure problem for women architects.

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Building Stories | The Awards Talks

Join Alison Brooks and Amin Taha as they discuss the unique story behind House on the Hill, recipient of the RIBA House of the Year 2021. Register here

Join Alison Brooks and Amin Taha as they discuss the unique story behind House on the Hill, recipient of the RIBA House of the Year 2021. Register here

When
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High-density, low-rise: Unity Place

“Masterplanned by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, with blocks designed by them, Alison Brooks Architects and Gort Scott, Unity Place demonstrates how high-quality, high-density housing can be achieved without building tall.”

Read AJ’s latest building study on Unity Place housing in South Kilburn.

“Masterplanned by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, with blocks designed by them, Alison Brooks Architects and Gort Scott, Unity Place demonstrates how high-quality, high-density housing can be achieved without building tall.”

Read AJ’s latest building study on Unity Place housing in South Kilburn.

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Alison Brooks Architects on Masterplan Shortlist for Begbroke Science Park, Oxford University

Proud to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the University of Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park masterplan.

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Proud to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for the University of Oxford’s Begbroke Science Park masterplan.

Looking forward to working with our fantastic collaborators on this ground-breaking Innovation District: Prior + Partners, WilkinsonEyre, dRMM, The Place Bureau, Hoare Lea and others.

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A Tribute to Richard Rogers

‘Deeply saddened by the loss of Richard Rogers. In 2009 Richard gave me and fellow RIBA juror and artist Madelon Vriesendorp an unforgettable tour of Maggie’s Charing Cross; I took this photo on the day. For me it captures the brilliance and warmth of Richard and Madelon, two of the world’s greatest architectural imaginations.’  – Alison Brooks

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‘Deeply saddened by the loss of Richard Rogers. In 2009 Richard gave me and fellow RIBA juror and artist Madelon Vriesendorp an unforgettable tour of Maggie’s Charing Cross; I took this photo on the day. For me it captures the brilliance and warmth of Richard and Madelon, two of the world’s greatest architectural imaginations.’  – Alison Brooks

 

Alison Brooks’ 2009 RIBA Awards Jury Citation for Maggie’s Charing Cross:

‘It is not normally in the power of architecture to move onlookers to tears, but this extraordinary building has inadvertently proven its ability to do just that. How is it possible that a building can generate an immediate and pervasive sense of welcome, warmth, serenity –  and even love – in the context of a frantic Hammersmith thoroughfare – and in the shadow of a dauntingly huge NHS hospital? This is the poetry that Rogers Stirk Harbor have worked at the Maggies Centre in Fulham Palace Road. Their quietly confident building is truly, unquestionably a haven for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Their achievement is in having created a completely informal, home-like sanctuary to help patients learn to live – or die – with cancer, beautifully.

Conceived as a two-storey pavilion, the architects have sheltered the centre from its harsh surroundings with a thick and cheerfully orange masonry wall that also serves as a backdrop for carefully planted tree groves and gardens. Its positive spirit is signalled with a roof canopy that hovers high above the centre’s walls to protectively oversail its many intimate internal gardens, courtyards and roof terraces.

This is the impression one has from a distance, while approaching the centre along the exquisite garden walk that has been design by Dan Pearson. With one large opening in the centre’s façade providing a glimpse of a courtyard garden and dining table, it immediately speaks of simple human pleasures. It invites us in.

Passing along the garden wall to the Centre’s entrance one first encounters a window seat, from where one can sit and contemplate the garden at the end of the passage, or the entrance door to the centre itself. This is a place allowing visitors to stop, rest, take a deep breath, and make a decision to either enter or to turn back. How many buildings provide their visitors such a simple luxury, to spend some time sitting in a beautiful spot before actually going in?

Once inside, a fireplace, a walled garden, and then the kitchen table beckons as the centrepiece of a double height space. This is the centre’s domestic heart, washed in light and framed by beautifully cast in-situ concrete columns. Also supporting the 1st floor and roof, the column arrangement is based on a 4m grid that provides an ideal proportion for the consultation, treatment rooms, living spaces and garden courtyards that all open off the kitchen. There are no doors in the centre – privacy can be created by sliding screens, translucent glass panels, or bookshelves. These are all built in a light timber that contributes a slightly Scandinavian air of well-being to the centre. Books, art, built-in furniture and inglenooks all contribute to an over-riding sense of comforting domesticity.

The first floor administration space is completely open to the floor below –  in complete contrast to most health care institutions. This green-floored series of mezzanines feels like a tree house with views out on all four sides with a suntrap roof terrace protected by the oversailing roof.  Balustrades at this level have been detailed as bookshelves and display surfaces, another example of the architect making every element of the building work in a multiplicity of modes, both beautiful and functional, with intense thoughtfulness and care.

The jury felt that RSH’s Maggie’s Centre exceeds at every level this most demanding of briefs; to create a sanctuary for terminally ill cancer sufferers for a client and personal friend of the architect (Charles Jencks); whose deep conviction in architecture’s power to shape our experience has dedicated the building to the memory of his wife. Richard Rogers and his team have produced a timeless work of architecture that not only distills the intentions of this brief but expresses in built form compassion, sensitivity and a deep sense of our common humanity.’ 

           

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Windward House Crowned RIBA House of the Year 2021

Windward House has won this year’s RIBA House of the Year award.

“This geometric design skilfully fuses together the old with the new – connecting two architectures separated by over 300 years,” said Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) president Simon Allford.

Windward House has won this year’s RIBA House of the Year award.

“This geometric design skilfully fuses together the old with the new – connecting two architectures separated by over 300 years,” said Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) president Simon Allford.

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Dezeen | Alison Brooks’ ‘intriguing and distinguished’ farmhouse extension named UK’s best new home

A celebration of domestic life shared with an extraordinary collection of art, our house impressed the judges as a “complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered.” 

A celebration of domestic life shared with an extraordinary collection of art, our house impressed the judges as a “complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered.” 

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Alison Brooks to speak at CTU Prague, Faculty of Architecture

Join Alison Brooks for her ‘Re-Invent’ lecture, as part of CTU Prague, Faculty of Architecture’s November Talks series. The presentation will be livestreamed on CTU’s YouTube page.

Join Alison Brooks for her ‘Re-Invent’ lecture, as part of CTU Prague, Faculty of Architecture’s November Talks series. The presentation will be livestreamed on CTU’s YouTube page.

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House & Garden Top 100

Alison Brooks Architects was named as one of House & Garden Top 100 Interior Designers & Architects.

Alison Brooks Architects was named as one of House & Garden Top 100 Interior Designers & Architects.

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The Observer | Rowan Moore | Buildings this good should be available everywhere: Oxford unveils two new quads Exeter College Cohen Quad

“From its big, sheltering roof to its little desk windows, Alison Brooks Architects’ new quad for Exeter College, Oxford is a tour de force that puts people first.” — Rowan Moore for the Observer

“From its big, sheltering roof to its little desk windows, Alison Brooks Architects’ new quad for Exeter College, Oxford is a tour de force that puts people first.” — Rowan Moore for the Observer

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Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford wins an Architecture MasterPrize (Best of Best) Fitzhugh Auditorium

A ‘campus within a building’, our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won an Architecture MasterPrize award.

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A ‘campus within a building’, our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won an Architecture MasterPrize award.

Conceived as a place for social gathering and academic exchange, the project is Oxford’s first fully inclusive and barrier-free quad.

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Windward House Wins Manser Medal – House of the Year 2021

Our Windward House has won the Manser Medal – House of the Year 2021, part of the Architects’ Journal Architecture Awards. A celebration of domestic life shared with an extraordinary collection of art, our house impressed the judges as a “complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered.”

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Our Windward House has won the Manser Medal – House of the Year 2021, part of the Architects’ Journal Architecture Awards. A celebration of domestic life shared with an extraordinary collection of art, our house impressed the judges as a “complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered.”

The project exemplifies a “real success story of a client and architect working together. The ambition and quality of the end result is wonderful” , said one judge.  

Alison Brooks Architects is honoured to have received such a prestigious award for the second time, marking another significant milestone for the practice.

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The AJ | Alison Brooks wins 2021 Manser Medal – AJ House of the Year

Windward House by Alison Brooks Architects has won the Manser Medal for the best completed house in the UK, part of the AJ Architecture Awards.

‘This rework of an existing house and new extension, connecting out to a sequence of walled gardens, deeply impressed the judges as a complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered’, writes Rob Wilson, for the Architect’s Journal

Windward House by Alison Brooks Architects has won the Manser Medal for the best completed house in the UK, part of the AJ Architecture Awards.

‘This rework of an existing house and new extension, connecting out to a sequence of walled gardens, deeply impressed the judges as a complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered’, writes Rob Wilson, for the Architect’s Journal

Joana Polonia [less..]

Alison Brooks Architects selected as one of the 25 best architecture firms in London

The platform for architecture and design Archello selected Alison Brooks Architects as one of the 25 best architecture firms in London, alongside Foster + Parners, Zaha Hadid Architects, and others.

The platform for architecture and design Archello selected Alison Brooks Architects as one of the 25 best architecture firms in London, alongside Foster + Parners, Zaha Hadid Architects, and others.

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Monocle | Care to take a seat

Alison Brooks is featured in Monocle reflecting on ‘Kitchen Stool’, a collaboration with Felix de Pass for the 2014 London Design Festival. Manufactured by Benchmark, the design in solid American Cherry was partly inspired by Alison’s childhood in Ontario.

Alison Brooks is featured in Monocle reflecting on ‘Kitchen Stool’, a collaboration with Felix de Pass for the 2014 London Design Festival. Manufactured by Benchmark, the design in solid American Cherry was partly inspired by Alison’s childhood in Ontario.

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Windward House longlisted for 2021 RIBA House of the Year

Our Windward House is on the 2021 RIBA House of the Year longlist. The shortlist and winner will be revealed in the sixth series of Channel 4’s Grand Designs: House of the Year, airing later this year. Explore the 20-strong longlist

Our Windward House is on the 2021 RIBA House of the Year longlist. The shortlist and winner will be revealed in the sixth series of Channel 4’s Grand Designs: House of the Year, airing later this year. Explore the 20-strong longlist

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Alison Brooks to speak at ‘Re-Evaluation’ Conference

Join Alison Brooks for her ‘Home Ground – Exploring the Civic Role of Housing’ lecture, as part of the ‘Re-Evaluation’ Conference.

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Join Alison Brooks for her ‘Home Ground – Exploring the Civic Role of Housing’ lecture, as part of the ‘Re-Evaluation’ Conference.

A collaboration between the International Academy of Architecture (IAA) and the Italian Pavilion at the 17th International Venice Architecture Exhibition, the digital event is set to offer an open exchange of visions and proposals towards a more communal future. Watch it here

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Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford Wins 2 Education Estates Awards 2021 Fitzhugh Auditorium

Our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won 2 Education Estates Awards 2021: Project of the Year – Universities and Inspiring Learning Spaces. Our project has also received a High Commendation for Client of the Year.

Our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won 2 Education Estates Awards 2021: Project of the Year – Universities and Inspiring Learning Spaces. Our project has also received a High Commendation for Client of the Year.

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Education Estates Conference 2021

Tue, 10/12/21 , 14:00
Manchester Central
Manchester Central

Alison Brooks and Professor Sir Richard Trainor, Rector of Exeter College, Oxford, will present the Cohen Quad at the Education Estates Conference 2021. Register here

Alison Brooks and Professor Sir Richard Trainor, Rector of Exeter College, Oxford, will present the Cohen Quad at the Education Estates Conference 2021. Register here

Tue, 10.12.21 , 14:00
Manchester Central
Manchester Central
When
Where
Manchester Central
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Alison Brooks to speak at the Kosovo Architecture Festival 2021

Fri, 09/17/21 , 18:00
Pristina, Kosovo
Pristina, Kosovo (map)

As part of this year’s edition of the Kosovo Arch Fest, Alison Brooks will be giving a keynote lecture at the ICK – Innovation Centre Kosovo. 

As part of this year’s edition of the Kosovo Arch Fest, Alison Brooks will be giving a keynote lecture at the ICK – Innovation Centre Kosovo. 

Fri, 09.17.21 , 18:00
Pristina, Kosovo
Pristina, Kosovo
When
Where
Pristina, Kosovo (map)
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Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford is shortlisted for 3 Education Estates Awards 2021

A ‘campus within a building’, our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford is shortlisted for 3 Education Estates Awards:
– Project of the Year: Universities
– Client of the Year
– Inspiring Learning Spaces
A ‘campus within a building’, our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford is shortlisted for 3 Education Estates Awards:
– Project of the Year: Universities
– Client of the Year
– Inspiring Learning Spaces
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Windward House wins 2 RIBA South West Awards 2021

Our Windward House has been named among the nine 2021 RIBA South West Regional Awards winners. The house was also announced as the South West region’s Building of the Year 2021.

Our Windward House has been named among the nine 2021 RIBA South West Regional Awards winners. The house was also announced as the South West region’s Building of the Year 2021.

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Windward House is shortlisted for the Manser Medal – AJ House of the Year 2021

Our Windward House has been shortlisted for the Manser Medal – House of the Year category of the AJ Awards. A journey between the 18th and the 21st Century, the house is a celebration of the owners’ connection to the landscape and the joy of living with art.

Our Windward House has been shortlisted for the Manser Medal – House of the Year category of the AJ Awards. A journey between the 18th and the 21st Century, the house is a celebration of the owners’ connection to the landscape and the joy of living with art.

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Architectural Record: Snapshot

“Alison Brooks Architects re-imagines the age-old Oxford quadrangle to create a light-drenched space for students and faculty to gather.” — Ilana Herzig, Architectural Record
“Alison Brooks Architects re-imagines the age-old Oxford quadrangle to create a light-drenched space for students and faculty to gather.” — Ilana Herzig, Architectural Record
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The AJ | Alison Brooks wins Homerton College contest

Alison Brooks Architects has won an invited two-stage competition to design a porters lodge and entrance to Homerton College in Cambridge.

Alison Brooks Architects has won an invited two-stage competition to design a porters lodge and entrance to Homerton College in Cambridge.

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Dezeen | Alison Brooks Architects unveils mass timber entrance block for Cambridge college

“Alison Brooks Architects‘ design was the winning entry of a competition held by Homerton College that called for a pioneering example of sustainable design.” — Lizzie Crook, Dezeen

“Alison Brooks Architects‘ design was the winning entry of a competition held by Homerton College that called for a pioneering example of sustainable design.” — Lizzie Crook, Dezeen

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The Sunday Times Home | Hugh Graham | New Build Better

“Some successful modern examples that could give ersatz Regency a run for its money include Alison Brooks Architects’ Newhall Be (…) terraced houses in jet-black timber that echoes weatherboarded barns, but with sculptural roofs that add a sense of fun.” — Hugh Graham
“Some successful modern examples that could give ersatz Regency a run for its money include Alison Brooks Architects’ Newhall Be (…) terraced houses in jet-black timber that echoes weatherboarded barns, but with sculptural roofs that add a sense of fun.” — Hugh Graham
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Alison Brooks Architects wins Cambridge College competition

Alison Brooks Architects has been commissioned by Homerton College, Cambridge to design their new main Entrance Building and Children’s Literature Resource Centre, after winning a two-stage design competition.

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Alison Brooks Architects has been commissioned by Homerton College, Cambridge to design their new main Entrance Building and Children’s Literature Resource Centre, after winning a two-stage design competition.

The design brief asked for a new entrance appropriate to the size and ambition of the College; including a new Porters’ Lodge which both welcomes first-time visitors and meets the needs of resident students; and to expand the College Library, allowing it to host exhibitions as well as provide study space.

Alison Brooks Architects’ scheme is inspired by the Homerton College campus, its architectural eclecticism and its Arts & Crafts legacy. Our proposed building form is a three storey ‘cube’ with a wide single storey base that extends outward in four directions.

“We’re delighted with this opportunity to design Homerton College’s new Entrance Building and Children’s Literature Resource Centre as a welcoming ‘lantern’ and multi-purpose hub for the College’s communities. We’re very much inspired by Homerton’s campus, its arts and crafts legacy and we look forward to producing its first net zero mass timber building.” — Alison Brooks

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The Effect Magazine: The return of the curve: inside 2021’s curved furniture trend

“Alison Brooks Architects’ Cadence project in King’s Cross, London is one sign that curves exert a fascination. Since buildings are with us for longer than furniture trends, they’re a reliable barometer of how tastes are evolving” — Dominic Lutyens for Effect Magazine

“Alison Brooks Architects’ Cadence project in King’s Cross, London is one sign that curves exert a fascination. Since buildings are with us for longer than furniture trends, they’re a reliable barometer of how tastes are evolving” — Dominic Lutyens for Effect Magazine

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Building London | BBC Radio 3

For the ‘Building London’ episode, Alison Brooks joined Eric Parry (Eric Parry Architects) and presenter Laurence Scott to discuss the development of London, as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

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For the ‘Building London’ episode, Alison Brooks joined Eric Parry (Eric Parry Architects) and presenter Laurence Scott to discuss the development of London, as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

Follow the link to revisit the episode → https://bbc.in/3xM70oF

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Architecture and Inequity: New Practices of Care

from Alison Brooks Architects joined the London Festival of Architecture & Royal Academy of Arts‘ ‘Architecture and Inequity: New Practices of Care’ symposium.

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from Alison Brooks Architects joined the London Festival of Architecture & Royal Academy of Arts‘ ‘Architecture and Inequity: New Practices of Care’ symposium.

Bringing together original research that considers the systemic inequalities in our cities and proposes positive approaches that explore the built environment from a critical perspective, the panel discussed inclusive design strategies and explored how architecture can accept difference.

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The Martin Centre | University of Cambridge

For this lecture at The Martin Centre, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Alison Brooks elaborated on ’19th C London: A 21st C Model for Embedded Productivity, Mixity and Hyper-locality’.

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For this lecture at The Martin Centre, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Alison Brooks elaborated on ’19th C London: A 21st C Model for Embedded Productivity, Mixity and Hyper-locality’.

 

Follow the link for a chance to revisit the seminar.

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Future Assembly | The Umbrella Islands

In addition to ‘Home Ground’, we have also contributed to Future Assembly, an exhibition in the Giardini’s Central Pavilion as part of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition. Curated by Olafur Eliasson’s Studio Other Spaces, the work explores the value system of the United Nations and imagines new futures for how we can collaboratively come together.

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In addition to ‘Home Ground’, we have also contributed to Future Assembly, an exhibition in the Giardini’s Central Pavilion as part of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition. Curated by Olafur Eliasson’s Studio Other Spaces, the work explores the value system of the United Nations and imagines new futures for how we can collaboratively come together.

Today, as humankind faces a devastating pandemic and a triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss and severe degradation of air, land and water – we need to end our war on nature and begin to act more holistically to secure the health of the species, ecosystems and resources with which we coexist and on which our survival depends.

This ‘Future Assembly’ exhibition calls on all of us to re-imagine new pathways for our global governance architecture and to strengthen multilateralism so that it is more networked and inclusive. At this pivotal moment for people and planet, the United Nations is determined to work with all partners to uphold our shared values, navigate common challenges and seize the opportunities of the century ahead.’

– António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

 

The installation ‘The Umbrella Islands’ is inspired by Alison Brooks’ annual pilgrimage to the Umbrella Islands of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. Part of the Canadian Shield, it is a four billion-year-old landscape and the largest area of Archean Era rock that is still visible at the Earth’s surface. The installation consists of four 63.5mm diameter core samples from this ancient rock formation, set in timber trays to offer a sensory sampling of the Shield, embodied by the Umbrella Islands. To accompany this are geological maps of the islands and a selection of Alison Brooks’ personal photographs that reveal the haunting beauty of the islands. It is the direct connection to an Archaean Era environment and the incomprehensibly long timeframe that the rocks have witnessed that makes the experience of visiting the Umbrella Islands so powerful.

Installation photo: Gerdastudio

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Home Ground | Biennale Architettura 2021

Excited to share ‘Home Ground’, our contribution to the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Hashim Sarkis.

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Excited to share ‘Home Ground’, our contribution to the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Hashim Sarkis.

Situated in the Arsenale, our installation responds to the question ‘How will we live together?’ with a monumental table into which sixteen architectural models are cast as a participatory ‘conversation piece’. ‘Home Ground’ explores how housing defines the way we live together in cities; as households, and by shaping collective ground. It combines models of Alison Brooks Architects’ current housing projects from locations across the world. The installation reflects upon the nature of ground floor communal spaces in housing architecture as both thresholds to the private realm of the home and gathering spaces, where new communities can form. 

Photography: Gerdastudio
Fabrication: Base Models

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The AJ | Venice Architecture Biennale 2021: more framework than built work

“Meanwhile Alison Brooks shows a small cityscape of current urban projects, with each building’s model lifted away from its ground floor, which read Nolli plan-like, showing how their communal spaces act as thresholds and connectors out to the public realm.” — Rob Wilson

“Meanwhile Alison Brooks shows a small cityscape of current urban projects, with each building’s model lifted away from its ground floor, which read Nolli plan-like, showing how their communal spaces act as thresholds and connectors out to the public realm.” — Rob Wilson

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Wallpaper | Venice Architecture Biennale 2021: a year late but somehow right on time

“Future Assembly is a collective exhibition in the Central Pavilion, Giardini, which is part of the main show. It is a collaboration between artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann’s Studio Other Spaces and six co-designers. The installations explore the answer to the question: What could a multilateral assembly of the future look like?”  — Amah-Rose Abrams

“Future Assembly is a collective exhibition in the Central Pavilion, Giardini, which is part of the main show. It is a collaboration between artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann’s Studio Other Spaces and six co-designers. The installations explore the answer to the question: What could a multilateral assembly of the future look like?”  — Amah-Rose Abrams

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Cobo | Home Ground

According to Herbert Wright, “The 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale is a Timely Survey of Architecture’s Role in Building Human Connections Across Geographical and Cultural Divides.”

According to Herbert Wright, “The 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale is a Timely Survey of Architecture’s Role in Building Human Connections Across Geographical and Cultural Divides.”

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Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion

Alison Brooks is pleased to be featured in Randy Deutsch’s new book “Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion” (RIBA Publishing, 2021).

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Alison Brooks is pleased to be featured in Randy Deutsch’s new book “Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion” (RIBA Publishing, 2021).

Drawing insights from various international practices, the publication aims to support the growth of architects in the developing stages of their careers. bit.ly/3y633w2

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Whole Architect – Podcast Episode with Alison Brooks

Join Emma Bowers (Stanford University) in conversation with Alison Brooks, as they explore the importance of discovery, the evolution of education and the profession, and how loving our mistakes helps us grow.

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Join Emma Bowers (Stanford University) in conversation with Alison Brooks, as they explore the importance of discovery, the evolution of education and the profession, and how loving our mistakes helps us grow.

Listen to the episode → https://spoti.fi/3hegFPz

“Every new project is a new place, it’s a new community, it’s a new context, a new piece of city that needs help and work… tons of inspiration and excitement comes from discovering that new place, falling in love with it and seeing it with fresh eyes.” —  Alison Brooks

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La Repubblica | Mostre, Arte e Fotografia

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ABA on winning masterplan team for Thamesmead Waterfront

ABA is absolutely delighted to be part of the Prior + Partners / Arup winning masterplan team for Thamesmead Waterfront.

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ABA is absolutely delighted to be part of the Prior + Partners / Arup winning masterplan team for Thamesmead Waterfront.

Looking forward to getting started with LendleasePeabody, Thamesmead’s communities and our inspirational colleagues: Turner.WorksMarc Koehler ArchitectsSchulze+GrassovWest 8SoundingsThe Place BureauSage Culture Art Gallery & Projects, JA Projects.

Follow the link to learn more → https://bit.ly/3vxg7rR

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Yinka Ilori MBE unveils brand new artwork for Heart of Hale

Delighted to see Yinka Ilori‘s brand new artwork animating Tottenham Hale’s newest creative neighbourhood and ABA’s 1 Ashley Road project, currently on site.

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Delighted to see Yinka Ilori‘s brand new artwork animating Tottenham Hale’s newest creative neighbourhood and ABA’s 1 Ashley Road project, currently on site.

Titled “As you pass me by, know that it is nothing but love from me”, the public installation is part of Yinka’s role as the official Artist in Residence for Argent Related ‘s landmark scheme, Heart of Hale, in Tottenham Hale’s regeneration area. Learn more about the collaboration bit.ly/3nrV07y

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Alison Brooks named a High Commendation at 2021 Female Frontier Awards

Alison Brooks is delighted to have been named a High Commendation at the Female Frontier Awards: Powered by WAN 2021, in the Architect of the Year category.

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Alison Brooks is delighted to have been named a High Commendation at the Female Frontier Awards: Powered by WAN 2021, in the Architect of the Year category.

“I’m honoured to be in the company of every architect recognized by this award, in particular Francine Houben (Mecanoo). Francine is a leading light for women in the profession and also a personal friend. There’s much work to be done for women architects to have the same visibility and access to opportunities our male colleagues enjoy. The Female Frontier Awards make an important contribution to this cause.” — Alison Brooks

Follow the link to learn more. → https://bit.ly/3sL8lc8

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Alison Brooks joins Design Council’s Experts Directory

The Design Council has unveiled its refreshed network of experts, which embodies a commitment to making life better by design. Alison Brooks is delighted to be part of this diverse, multidisciplinary list of 34 ambassadors.

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The Design Council has unveiled its refreshed network of experts, which embodies a commitment to making life better by design. Alison Brooks is delighted to be part of this diverse, multidisciplinary list of 34 ambassadors.

Over the coming months, the experts will join with Design Council’s design associates to form a dynamic community of practice which will develop exciting opportunities to collaborate. Read more here

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The Davidson Prize names finalists of 2021 competition

The Davidson Prize has revealed the 3 finalists. With Alison Brooks, Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick Studio), Narinder Singh SagooSonia Solicari (Museum of the Home) and Michelle Ogundehin on the jury panel, the overall winner will be announced in June 2021 as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

The universality of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the subject matter of the Prize: ‘Home/Work – A New Future’ was something we all experienced over the past year. As a result submissions were, in a lot of cases, more autobiographical than what these designers and thinkers might have produced under ‘the old normal’.” – Alison Brooks

Delve into the finalist and shortlist submissions

The Davidson Prize has revealed the 3 finalists. With Alison Brooks, Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick Studio), Narinder Singh SagooSonia Solicari (Museum of the Home) and Michelle Ogundehin on the jury panel, the overall winner will be announced in June 2021 as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

The universality of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the subject matter of the Prize: ‘Home/Work – A New Future’ was something we all experienced over the past year. As a result submissions were, in a lot of cases, more autobiographical than what these designers and thinkers might have produced under ‘the old normal’.” – Alison Brooks

Delve into the finalist and shortlist submissions

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Cadence, King’s Cross | NLA 2021 Tall Building Survey

ABA is delighted to have Cadence, King’s Cross featured in ‘s annual Tall Buildings Survey. Published in April 2021, the report presents new data and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on London’s tall buildings pipeline.

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ABA is delighted to have Cadence, King’s Cross featured in ‘s annual Tall Buildings Survey. Published in April 2021, the report presents new data and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on London’s tall buildings pipeline.

Explore the full report

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NLA London Tall Buildings Survey 2021 | Cadence

Delighted to have Cadence, King’s Cross featured in NLA London‘s annual Tall Buildings Survey. Released today, the report presents new data and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on London’s tall buildings pipeline. Explore the full report  

Delighted to have Cadence, King’s Cross featured in NLA London‘s annual Tall Buildings Survey. Released today, the report presents new data and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on London’s tall buildings pipeline. Explore the full report  

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Accelerate 2021 | Open City’s Programme

Alison Brooks Architects is delighted to be supporting Accelerate on a journey towards a more diverse, open and inclusive industry.

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Alison Brooks Architects is delighted to be supporting Accelerate on a journey towards a more diverse, open and inclusive industry.

Providing 30 sixth form students from across London with a series of skills workshops in a university environment, Open City’s Accelerate Programme offers one-to-one mentoring at an architecture practice, as well as in-depth bespoke guidance on university applications. As part of the Mentor Partners, we look forward to inviting the students to cultivate a critical questioning of the built environment. Learn more about the programme

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Your Brent Magazine | Durham & Gloucester Court

Spring 2021’s edition of ‘Your Brent’ magazine features an article with some new residents of ABA’s Durham & Gloucester Court, part of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration.

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Spring 2021’s edition of ‘Your Brent’ magazine features an article with some new residents of ABA’s Durham & Gloucester Court, part of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration.

When asked whether they still supported the award-winning regeneration of the estate at the residents’ ballot, the community overwhelmingly backed the council’s plans to continue rebuilding the neighbourhood – with 84% voting yes. We are honoured to be part of this journey and contribute to a real sense of place and belonging. Explore the story

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Alison Brooks Shortlisted for Female Frontier’s 2021 Architect of the Year Award

Alison Brooks is delighted to be shortlisted in the Architect of the Year category in the Female Frontier Awards: Powered by WAN 2021, alongside 6 influential and esteemed colleagues from around the world.

Alison Brooks is delighted to be shortlisted in the Architect of the Year category in the Female Frontier Awards: Powered by WAN 2021, alongside 6 influential and esteemed colleagues from around the world.

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Cohen Quad Exeter College, Oxford is a Civic Trust Awards Winner 2021 Fitzhugh Auditorium

Alison Brooks Architects is delighted that the Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won a 2021 Civic Trust Award at the 5 March ceremony.

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Alison Brooks Architects is delighted that the Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won a 2021 Civic Trust Award at the 5 March ceremony.

Thank you Civic Trust Awards and congratulations to all award winners. Delve into the announcement and explore the winning projects.

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People, Place, Planet #3 | Lecture by Alison Brooks

For this lecture at RIBA Somerset, Alison Brooks talked through some of her recent award winning and exemplar works and explained how they are borne out of contemporary constraints.

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For this lecture at RIBA Somerset, Alison Brooks talked through some of her recent award winning and exemplar works and explained how they are borne out of contemporary constraints.

“People, Place, Planet #3” explored the power of context and how it refreshes and invigorates her work, becoming the story behind her designs. There was a particular focus on the local context and story of the Taunton Maggie’s Centres.

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Raising the Roof | Agata Toromanoff

Agata Toromanoff‘s new book “Raising the Roof – Women Architects Who Broke Through the Glass Ceiling” celebrates the achievements of women architects in every corner of the world. Alison Brooks is delighted to be in the company of such inspirational professionals.

Agata Toromanoff‘s new book “Raising the Roof – Women Architects Who Broke Through the Glass Ceiling” celebrates the achievements of women architects in every corner of the world. Alison Brooks is delighted to be in the company of such inspirational professionals.

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Alison Brooks | Telegraph Luxury Magazine

This week’s Telegraph Luxury Magazine features Alison talking to Caroline Roux alongside other ground breaking female architects –  Farshid Moussavi, Eva Jiricna, Stephanie Macdonald, Jee Liu and Sadie Morgan.

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This week’s Telegraph Luxury Magazine features Alison talking to Caroline Roux alongside other ground breaking female architects –  Farshid Moussavi, Eva Jiricna, Stephanie Macdonald, Jee Liu and Sadie Morgan.

“Last year Alison Brooks completed one of the UK’s most stunning private houses, in the Wye Valley. She added a black-clad extension to an 18th-century farmhouse, and inside has created the ideal setting for her client’s huge collection of tribal artefacts. ‘It’s been a 10-year project,’ she says. ‘It’s amazing to work so closely with a client, because you are telling their story. But I bring the same care to social housing. I’d never design anything I didn’t want to live in myself.’

Brooks has built theatres, galleries, and was the first woman to design a major addition to an Oxford college. The Cohen Quad at Exeter College, completed in 2019, is an extraordinary S-shaped building with internal cloisters composed of spruce fins.”…

Photographs by Tereza CERVENOVA Styling by Tara GREVILLE

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Do Build – How to make and lead a business the world needs | Alan Moore

Alison Brooks Architects are delighted to be featured in Alan Moore’s new book “Do Build – How to make and lead a business the world needs”, which draws on his years of research into progressive businesses across the globe.

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Alison Brooks Architects are delighted to be featured in Alan Moore’s new book “Do Build – How to make and lead a business the world needs”, which draws on his years of research into progressive businesses across the globe.

By speaking to their purpose-driven founders, he discovers that it is possible to lead with generosity and promote a company culture where individuals flourish. The publication shares examples of best practice and invites us to create a more inclusive, constructive and purpose-driven future.

 

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4 Feb 2021, 5pm (GMT) Alison Brooks is presenting at the Chamber of Architects Milan

Join us live for a virtual visit to #Milano 4 Feb 5pm (GMT), 6PM (CET). Alison Brooks is presenting s part of a series entitled “The Contribution of Women in Contemporary Architecture: The British Example”.[more..]

Join us live for a virtual visit to #Milano 4 Feb 5pm (GMT), 6PM (CET). Alison Brooks is presenting s part of a series entitled “The Contribution of Women in Contemporary Architecture: The British Example”.

For more details visit the hosts website Chamber of Architects of the Province of Milan‘ .

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Thamesmead Waterfront Development Competition

Alison Brooks Architects are pleased to have been selected for the Thamesmead Waterfront Development longlist as part of an inspirational and multifaceted team led by Prior + Partners with Arup, West 8, The Place Bureau, Turner.Works, Marc Koehler Architects, JA projects, Schulze+Grassov, Soundings, and Sage Culture.[more..]

Alison Brooks Architects are pleased to have been selected for the Thamesmead Waterfront Development longlist as part of an inspirational and multifaceted team led by Prior + Partners with Arup, West 8, The Place Bureau, Turner.Works, Marc Koehler Architects, JA projects, Schulze+Grassov, Soundings, and Sage Culture.

The ‘Town of Tomorrow’ competition, organised by Colander Associates Limited, will select a visionary and strategic masterplanner to work with the housing association Peabody and its joint venture partner Lendlease on the 100ha scheme. More than 70 applications were received.

More details can be found on AJ’s website

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26 Jan 2021, 11am | Festival of Higher Education

On the 26th January Alison Brooks and Professor Sir Richard Trainor, Rector (Head) of Exeter College will present to the Festival of Higher Education.

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On the 26th January Alison Brooks and Professor Sir Richard Trainor, Rector (Head) of Exeter College will present to the Festival of Higher Education.

Alison will talk about the Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle, Oxford, her aspirations in creating a scholarly home and how the building offers uplifting environments in which to work, think and co-exist.

Sir Richard will talk about how the collegiate quad has proved a resilient academic model, not least during the pandemic, paying special attention to the innovative impact of the building’s Learning Commons on the student and staff experience.

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Cohen Quad – Winner in the 2021 Civic Trust Awards

Delighted that our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has been selected as a winner in the 2021 Civic Trust Awards. One of only 40 successful National / International projects.[more..]

Delighted that our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has been selected as a winner in the 2021 Civic Trust Awards. One of only 40 successful National / International projects.

The design for the Cohen Quad is based on three key architectural strategies: the journey, places of gathering, and the qualities of home.

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Alison Brooks juror for the Camden Highline

Alison Brooks is a juror for the international Camden Highline Competition. The 5 shortlisted teams are being interviewed 19th January 2021! There will be a new park and linear walk linking London’s Camden Town to King’s Cross on a still-active railway viaduct. Entries were received from across the globe to address the “creative tensions that exist between an urban environment and the natural world”.

Alison Brooks is a juror for the international Camden Highline Competition. The 5 shortlisted teams are being interviewed 19th January 2021! There will be a new park and linear walk linking London’s Camden Town to King’s Cross on a still-active railway viaduct. Entries were received from across the globe to address the “creative tensions that exist between an urban environment and the natural world”.

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20 Jan 2021 | Lecture to the Cross-border Canada ― USA Visual Arts and Built Environment Program

6pm EST, 11pm GMT

You have the chance to join students from VABE at Alison Brooks’ lecture by registering, free of charge on VABE’s website

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6pm EST, 11pm GMT

You have the chance to join students from VABE at Alison Brooks’ lecture by registering, free of charge on VABE’s website

Visual Arts and the Built Environment [VABE] is a unique combined, and cross-border program, between the School of Creative Arts [SoCA] at the University of Windsor (Windsor, Ontario) and the School of Architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, Michigan). The program offers undergraduate students a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a general BA in Visual Arts with 4 years of combined study at two university institutions

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