A showcase

The degree show is one of the annual highlights of the University calendar and showcases the students’ talent and imagination.
Around 175 students, ranging from first year undergraduates to postgraduates, will be showcasing their ideas in studios around the Architecture Building.

This year, the cities of Vienna, Venice, Manchester – and even Coventry’s much maligned ring road - have provided inspiration.
Newcastle’s trendy Ouseburn, while the brutalist Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee, designed by Newcastle University’s own Victor Pasmore, is transformed into a library. Another project creates a home for Manchester’s BAME LGBTQx community. Further north, there are plans for a drone flying arena in Blyth and an aquarium and underwater lab in Amble.

The Nick, a striking structure designed by Architecture students for visitors to Blakehope Nick in the Redesdale, Northumberland, is also featured. It’s the seventh project students have developed as part of an ongoing relationship with Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust.

Another project saw students designing extensions to The Queen’s House in Greenwich, which was designed by arguably England’s first great architect, Inigo Jones, in 1616.

Career prosepcts

Amabelle Aranas is one the student organisers and her work will be on display in the show. “The degree show highlights the accumulation of the hard work of the students, spanning from all years,” she said. “Seeing everybody’s work accumulate up toward this show is a proud moment for any student and personally, I feel glad that I have been able to be a part of this degree show process, overseeing the accumulation of work of the school year.

“Architecture is a demanding course. However, what I have produced in my three years here has been rewarding. I have learnt a lot and gained a lot of skills to take with me in my future which can enhance future career opportunities.”

Professor Adam Sharr, Head of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape said: “We aim to engage students deeply in their education as critical and creative thinkers, rigorously challenging and empowering them, supporting them to stay ahead of a changing world. We want them not just to be ready for their first day in work, but to lead the professions that they’ll retire from.”

Famous names

Famous Newcastle University Architecture alumni include Sir Terry Farrell, who recently had a University building named after him and George Clarke, well-known for his work in television including Amazing Spaces and Old House New Home.

The Architecture Degree Show runs between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, until 5 July. It transfers to London on 12 July, where it will go on show at The Crypt on the Green, in Clerkenwell, opening between 6pm and 10pm.