Washington Students Experience Newcastle University's Architectural Excellence
The students had won the 60-Year Washington Challenge competition led by MOBIE (Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education) founded by George Clarke
17 December 2024
Over the course of two days in December, students from two Washington schools were invited to Newcastle University to explore the exciting opportunities offered by the Farrell Centre and School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape. The students took part in a series of engaging workshops, including model-making, observational drawing, and experimenting with various creative mediums.
These experience days were a reward for the students' success in the MOBIE (Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education) 60-Year Washington Challenge. This competition, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Washington New Town, tasked participants with designing a masterplan for a housing village that would meet the needs of the next 60 years. The challenge reflects the significance of Washington Village to MOBIE founder George Clarke, who is deeply passionate about sustainable living, innovative construction methods, and educating the next generation of designers, planners, and builders.
The event offered a rich variety of activities. Students toured the Architecture Building under the guidance of Sam Austin, Director of Architecture, and a tour of the modelling workshop led by Sean Mallen, Technical Manager. Including a site visit to the OME building delivered by Dr Jane Scott and Oliver Perry. A highlight of the experience was a surprise visit from George Clarke himself, who joined the students to celebrate their achievements.
Making the most of Clarke’s visit, Newcastle University hosted a special Q&A session chaired by Milen Rutter, an undergraduate in Urban Planning. Held in the Architecture Building, the event drew a diverse audience of students and staff from architecture, planning, and landscape disciplines. Clarke's insights into the pressing challenges faced by architects and planners today—ranging from housing policies to sustainable construction techniques—were both thought-provoking and inspiring.
Students and staff alike were honoured to host George Clarke at the university. The experience days not only celebrated young talent but also emphasized the importance of nurturing a future generation ready to tackle the challenges of sustainable design and urban planning.
