Archinect - News

London Metropolitan University renames its School of Art, Architecture and Design to dissociate from slave trader John Cass

2020-06-11T18:27:00-04:00

In a statement issued this week, London Metropolitan University announced the decision to rename its Art, Architecture and Design School and remove the name of John Cass, an English merchant who was instrumental in the early development of the slave trade in the late 17th and early 18th century.

The name change follows widespread protests against racial injustice around the world, including a reevaluation of public realm landmarks, statues, and monuments as announced by London Mayor Sadiq Kahn.

Read the full statement issued by the university's vice-chancellor Professor Lynn Dobbs below:

Following consultation with the Students’ Union, staff, and our Board of Governors we have taken the decision to remove the name of Sir John Cass from our Art, Architecture and Design School. We recognise that the use of Sir John Cass’ name contributes to the redemption of a man without acknowledging the enormous pain he caused as a major figure in the early development of the slave trade, and the ...

London Metropolitan University now offers a Masters in Timber Technology

2020-01-28T08:46:00-05:00

The Cass at London Metropolitan University is launching the capital’s first postgraduate [program] in Timber Technology. This will address key skills shortages in the architecture and construction sectors, stimulate economic growth, and respond to the growing demand for sustainable building.

The new MSc in Timber Technology "will allow [students] to develop [their] skills as timber design professionals within a rapidly expanding sustainable agenda for the built environment," writes London Metropolitan University on their course information webpage.

According to World Architecture News, England requires an estimated 240,000-340,000 new homes per year in order to tackle its housing shortage. In recent research, timber has been identified as a potential solution due to its wide availability and carbon negative construction ability.

Professor Christian Frost named new Head of Architecture at The Cass, London Metropolitan University

2019-05-03T19:09:00-04:00

The Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University has appointed Professor Christian Frost as their new Head of Architecture, effective July 1st, 2019.

Professor Frost, who is an experienced researcher and educator, studied Architecture at Cambridge before completing his doctorate at the Cass earlier this year.

He brings significant knowledge of architecture education in the UK, having taught at Birmingham City University, where he is currently Professor of Architecture and Director of History, Theory and Cultural Context. Prior, he taught at Kingston University, where he was Director of first year and later of the RIBA Part 2 course. He is also a regular Chair of RIBA Visiting Boards and is a member of the RIBA's New Course and Course Changes Group.

At Cass, Frost hopes to collaborate with students and staff interested in pushing the boundaries of the academic discipline of architecture. Further, he is looking forward to nurturing the relationship ...