Spotlight on a Young Person: Robert’s Remarkable Journey

In our inaugural ‘Spotlight on a Young Person’, we're thrilled to shine a light on Robert, a true standout in his studies. With his vibrant personality and dedication to excellence, Robert has captured the admiration of his teachers and peers alike.

A natural people person, Robert navigates his studies with grace and ease, always collaborating with others in a calm and confident manner. His passion for architecture shines through in every project, showcasing a keen understanding and a curious, analytical approach that pushes the boundaries of design.

Throughout his time at DMU, Robert has consistently demonstrated promise and talent, particularly in his final year professional practice studies. His ability to excel in group settings and independently seek out information speaks volumes to his initiative and drive for success.

From Year 1 to now in his final Year 03 studies at the DMU, Robert has left an indelible mark on the BA Architecture program, captivating faculty members with his progress and growth. As he embarks on the completion of his studies, we wish Robert all the best in his endeavours. The entire SLDF team eagerly anticipates witnessing his extraordinary talents come to life as a qualified Architect.

Congratulations, Robert, on your remarkable journey thus far – showing all young people the power of learning!

Social Action

This year, in particular, it is a chance to show how small changes and simple things that we can all do can make a huge difference.

COMMUNITY

Stephen Lawrence Day is about the part we all play in creating a society in which everyone can flourish.

THOMAS AQUILINA

STEPHEN LAWRENCE DAY FELLOW, LONDN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

The London School of Architecture has appointed Thomas Aquilina as its inaugural Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation Fellow through the generous donation of the Foundation in September 2021 under the instigation of founding LSA Vice-Chair Elsie Owusu OBE and the RIBA, marking another significant step in the LSA’s commitment to widening access and participation in architectural education.

Through this Fellowship, Thomas is committed to researching means of tackling of historic and current underrepresentation of black and other racialised groups in the architecture profession. A tutor in Critical Practice and Design History at the LSA, Thomas is a registered architect and educator dedicated to building communities of radical thought and progressive practice. He is a co-director of the New Architecture Writers programme and a co-founder of the publishing collective Afterparti. Thomas is also investigating local understandings of spatial justice in London as a Design Researcher in Residence at the Design Museum. As a past recipient of the Stephen Lawrence Architecture bursary, Thomas’ trajectory in architecture is one indebted to Stephen’s legacy. Under the fellowship, Thomas looks to:

Lead conversations at the LSA around curriculum reform, in particular in relation to decoloniality, decarbonisation and destandardisation.
Work on delivering on the strategic priorities contained in the LSA’s ambitious Access and Participation Plan, which seeks to increase the number of Black and Asian students in its cohorts, and students from low-income and low-participation backgrounds.
Cultivate and nurture relationships with local schools, devising an ambitious ‘Part 0’ outreach programme.
Serve as a visible role model and mentor within to the school to underrepresented racialised groups.

The LSA once again wishes to express its gratitude to the RIBA, Elsie Owusu and the vision of Baroness Lawrence for enabling such pioneering research and action at the LSA and subsequently the wider architectural community.

LSA Stephen Lawrence Foundation Fellow, Thomas Aquilina, said:
“At this exciting time of new directorship for The LSA, I want to support the work of building an architecture school that is attune to the value of equitable and radical perspectives.”

Baroness Doreen Lawrence said:
“I am pleased to see that the LSA has appointed Thomas Aquilina to lead on this ambitious plan in researching decoloniality in architecture. For too long access to the profession of architecture was limited and challenging for those from underrepresented groups, this will be a great asset in widening participation for all.”

London School of Architecture Head of School and CEO, Dr Neal Shasore, said:
“It is fantastic that, thanks to this donation, we have been able to offer this new Fellowship. In an intensely competitive field, Thomas’s vision of what we could achieve was truly inspiring. I am looking forward to working closely with him over the coming year, ensuring the LSA leads the conversation around decoloniality and architectural education.”