Newcastle’s degree show, despite being heavily edited for its London venue, manages to present a large range of design that emphasises just how creative the study of architecture can be. The breadth of research is inspiring, with studies covering everything from Walt Disney wonderlands, to the highly geophysical formation of sand patterns. It is a credit to the current architectural climate that students are encouraged and supported to find resolved architectural expressions for such diversity.

(Greg Walton, MArch.)

(Simon Baker, March.)

Amongst the fantastical explorations (one example of which delves into an analysis of C.S.Lewis, and how architectural form can be found within his fictional worlds) are an equal number of technological forays. Some of these look into harnessing new sustainable energy sources, other provide possible methods for cleaning waterways of litter. 

A current trend that can be seen across architecture and design at the moment, and is exhibited in several projects at this degree show, is the shift architecture is taking away from perfected, modernist precision, towards using weathering as a design aid and allowing latitude for blemishes.

In other words, these architecture students are allowing time to enter into their designs and incorporating the deteriorating effects of time into their proposals.

Alongside the March presentations, a number of successful Ba projects were exhibited. It is encouraging that in such a restricted venue, both year groups have the opportunity to showcase their work.

(Jack Glasspool, BA.)

It is a shame that the venue is so small, because only glimpses of each of the projects can be given. It would also be interesting to see some more models. Presumably, the lack of models is because of the difficulties in transporting them to London, which means that the bulk of the work remains in Newcastle. Whether or not it is worth the trip up North to visit, is up to you to decide! 

The event runs until the 26th July. More information can be found on their Facebook page.