To celebrate the ending of this years POC in Architecture Mentoring program, there was a showing of Part I and Part II students final projects who were a part of this year’s cohort. The exhibition was held at Collective Ending HQ in London. The event provided an opportunity for students to meet other young aspiring architects outside of their universities and network with the other mentors and guests.
Student and mentor discussing a projects design
The mentoring program has run for two years now and has grown from strength to strength. From increased intake of students, to a larger exhibition of students work. This year there were 40 students from a variety of universities such as, Bristol, LSA, Manchester, Westminster, Bournemouth, UAL and many more.
The program could not have been achieved without the mentors who dedicated their time to one-on-one sessions with an allocated student. These RIBA qualified architects came from a variety of ethnicities, experiences, and practices, from small to large companies allowing each student to gain a unique insight into practice.
Student explains his project to a mentor at the exhibition
One of the amazing things about the exhibition was seeing everyone interact. Students discussed their projects, asked advice from guests, discussed career paths and next steps, all the while meeting other young architects that looked like them. One student had said:
“It’s great to see so many black architects and architecture students. Where I study, I am the only one, so this has been a great experience for me.”
This is a key part of why POC in Architecture does what it does. Representation is vital in encouraging and uplifting the next generation of creatives. The power of generating a community where there is that ability to connect with relatable peers promotes belonging within the architectural industry. Another student had said:
“You know, it has been so nice to meet someone, and they pronounce my name correctly.”
Another moment that spoke to the testimony of how these programmes, and networking opportunities can positively effect students in different ways.
Moments from the POC in Architecture Student Exhibition 2023
From the 40 students that were on the mentoring programme, 25 students displayed their work at the exhibition. A range of skills were shown and a variety of concepts and styles, these final projects are shared below.
Two students were selected by Senior Partner Armstrong Yakubu from Foster + Partners for best presented project, the chosen were Part I student Chisom Ogakwu and Part 2 student was Quadri Oyetunde.
Chisom receiving her prize from POCinA founder Savannah Williams
Quadri explaining his final year project
The outcome of this years exhibition illustrates the growth of the organisation and its ability to have a wider reach to more young aspiring African and Caribbean creatives. POC in Architecture are proud of all the students that participated and thankful to the architects that gave their time to mentor. This year’s exhibition was sponsored by David Chipperfield Architects, Frank Reynolds Architects and Online Reprographics. POCinA thanks them for their contribution to the execution of this years Students Exhibition 2023.
If you are interested in supporting up coming events by POCinA or joining as a mentor for 2024 please contact: savannah@pocinarchitecture.com