Dezeen School Shows: a crypt inhabited by cultists who “mourn a vanishing London” is among the student projects from the University of West England.
Also featured is a games centre in a restored fire station and an educational centre that uses weaving to emphasise the significance of heritage crafts.
University of West England
Institution: University of West England (UWE)
Courses: BSc (Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering, BSc (Hons) Architecture, BA (Hons) Architecture and Planning, MArch Architecture, BSc (Hons) Product Design Technology, BA (Hons) Interior Design, MArch Architecture and BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Tutors: Chris Puttick, Clare Davidson, Mina Tahsiri, Zaky Fouad, Joe Edgard, Elahe Karimnia, Allison Dutoit, Matthew Hynam, Piers Taylor, Anas Lila, Stefan Guiton, Ed Harty and Colum Leith
School statement:
“We’re thrilled to share this year’s work from our graduating students across the College of Arts, Technology and Environment. An annual highlight for the university and city of Bristol, we invite you to discover a new generation of talent.
“Our UWE Bristol degree show combines exhibitions at Bower Ashton, Arnolfini, Spike Island and Frenchay Campus, accompanied by an extensive digital showcase. Celebrate the exceptional work of more than 1,200 graduates from more than 40 courses.
“Elena Marco, pro-vice chancellor and head of College of Arts, Technology and Environment said: ‘Each year, I’m blown away by the sheer creativity, ambition and depth of thinking shown by our students. Their work reflects not only visionary talent, but also a deep engagement with the challenges and possibilities of the world around them.’
“Showcase 2025 isn’t just a celebration of student achievement – it’s a testament to the passion, expertise and dedication of the incredible staff who support, guide and inspire them every step of the way. It promises to be a bold, joyful and unmissable event – don’t miss it.”
Circular Communities by Andreas Benjamin
“Circular Communities is a regenerative masterplan nestled within the centre of Lockleaze, a neighbourhood north of Bristol, which aims to tackle the rising cost of living crisis.
“The project, at its heart, creates a mixed-use mini city, harbouring a catalyst for circular economies.
“It holds a vehicle upcycling workshop that allows for vehicles to be converted into mobile homes and businesses, hence, building upon the neighbourhood’s inherent high level of hands-on skills.
“Simple additions such as retrofitted social spaces, endowed by nature and allotments, offer flexible environments for users to sculpt their current and future needs, be that social or economic.”
Student: Andreas Benjamin
Course: BSc (Hons) Architecture
Tutors: Mina Tahsiri, Zaky Fouad and Joe Edgard
The Sub-urban Citadel and The Centre for Slow News by Arthur Connolly
“The Sub-urban Citadel reimagines a concrete podium-cum-leisure complex that spans 4.5 hectares into a protective high-density community, featuring public leisure facilities and civic spaces.
“At the heart is the Centre for Slow News, which reframes journalism and access to reliable information as social infrastructure.
“The building involves the public directly with the news making process, combining workspaces for journalists with public amenities.
“The proposal provides a physical space where the community can digest, discuss and debate events, while recognising the importance of civic space where visibility allows an awareness of diverse views.”
Student: Arthur Connolly
Course: BA(Hons) Architecture and Planning
Tutors: Elahe Karimnia and Allison Dutoit
Spitalfields Weavers House by Holly Evans
“Spitalfields Weavers House proposes a scheme intrinsically connected to location, education and the importance of heritage crafts.
“The demand in Brick Lane to engage members of the community in preserving and transforming the history of weaving drives the brief, creating a cohesive civic space which serves to educate, embrace creativity and sustainably contribute to the local economy and identity.
“A central conveyor element passes the fibre through the building as it is transformed into fabric, encased by a spiralling CLT staircase that offers a detailed study of the physical process of converting fibre into woven fabric.”
Student: Holly Evans
Course: MArch Architecture
Tutors: Matthew Hynam, Piers Taylor and Anas Lila
Topology Optimised Suspension Swing Arm by Jacob Champion
“This is a novel car suspension swing-arm system that uses topology optimisation to generate a part that is optimised for strength and weight.
“The part will be 3D-printed in metal, using the selective laser melting process to create the optimised form.
“The grasshopper code that was developed, allows the user to customise the mounting points and force locations for the part and the script then generates the form automatically.
“This optimisation process mimics nature, as it only puts material where it is needed, leading to the most efficient form which uses a lot less material than traditional approaches.”
Student: Jacob Champion
Course: BSc(Hons) Product Design Technology
Tutor: Stefan Guiton
The Gathering Yard by Janae Dobson
“This project is a spatial response to the Windrush generation, exploring their arrival and movement in the UK, and the lives they built after settling.
“The space honours their cultural legacy and contributions to British society through immersive storytelling, thoughtful installations and communal zones.
“A luggage display evokes the journey and personal belongings of early migrants, while the outdoor hub invites reflection, gathering and celebration.
“Each area is designed to capture the emotion and vibrant identity of Caribbean heritage, transforming overlooked histories into a powerful, lived experience of movement, memory and belonging.”
Student: Janae Dobson
Course: BA(Hons) Interior Design
Tutor: Ed Harty
A Tomb for Lost London by Theo Groothuizen-Kirk
“This project explores an undiscovered Hawksmoor crypt beneath Christchurch Spitalfields, inhabited by cultists who mourn a vanishing London.
“The design juxtaposes Hawksmoor’s precise geometric architecture, incorporating astronomical alignments and sacred proportions, with makeshift adaptations crafted from salvaged materials of demolished buildings.
“Light chimneys and distorted periscopes pierce the subterranean complex, projecting images of the changing city above to be carefully observed by the cultists.
“Following historic street patterns now erased aboveground, this speculative project questions our relationship with architectural heritage, creating an alternative archive where London’s disappearing urban fabric lives on through occupation and ritual.”
Student: Theo Groothuizen-Kirk
Course: MArch Architecture
Tutors: Matthew Hynam, Piers Taylor and Anas Lila
Watched by Toby Revell
“We live in a world where privacy is an illusion. Every action you take, both online and offline, is being tracked, whether it be through city surveillance or the devices we depend on.
“This project challenges the unsettling reality of constant, consent-less surveillance that’s gradually eroding our privacy as we move further into a hyper-connected, data-driven world.
“Through bold, striking visuals, it confronts the viewers to reflect on the deeper consequences of the roles we unknowingly play. The posters act as a warning about how we’ve become products in a system designed to observe and profit from us.”
Student: Toby Revell
Course: BA(Hons) Graphic Design
Tutor: Colum Leith
Escape Plan by Zoe Carpenter
“When I first moved to Bristol, it was my first time living in a city and I found that spending all my time in the city centre was affecting me.
“I found it hard to discover places to walk to escape the claustrophobia. My project Escape Plan is based on my experience and is aimed at people who are new to Bristol and city living.
“I wanted to look at accessibility to nature within cities and the importance of spending time in nature, grounding, earthing and reconnecting.”
Student: Zoe Carpenter
Course: BA(Hons) Graphic Design
Tutor: Colum Leith
Room to Grow by Alice Jones
“Room to Grow proposes a child and family centre in St Paul’s, Bristol, rooted in community, resilience and social care.
“Responding to the poetry of Lawrence Hoo, it addresses themes of displacement and regeneration, exploring how architecture can offer continuity amidst change.
“The spatial interpretation of democratic architecture shapes an environment that supports both collective gathering and private retreat, reflecting the everyday rhythms of family life.
“The design pairs a hard, textured brick shell with a warm, timber-lined interior to express the offer of protection while encouraging connection.
“The centre embodies a civic space that strengthens the bonds between individuals, families and wider community.”
Student: Alice Jones
Course: BSc(Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering
Tutors: Chris Puttick and Clare Davidson
Lingokai by Tint Maung
“Lingokai is an immersive game-based learning space, located in the heart of Bristol at the Old Fire Station. Inspired by the city as a living body, it sees diverse youths as a microbiome supporting each other for growth.
“The design encourages progression through movement, interaction and playful language exchange.
“Divided into three zones such as physical game activities, board and card games, and game development, the space fosters connection, collaboration and creativity.
“Concrete textured soft materials, wood and vibrant colour accents express warmth and balance.”
Student: Tint Maung
Course: BA (Hons) Interior Design
Tutor: Ed Harty
Partnership content
This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and University of West England. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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