End of Year Show 2025
22/05/2025
We’re delighted to have hosted another hugely successful End of Year Show! Our students made us proud, welcoming friends, family, and industry guests to view their outstanding work. It’s been a busy year, with site visits (including local practices), guest lectures, an RIBA accreditation visit, Vertical Week’s immersive design challenge, and an enormous amount of work produced, marked, and externally examined. The Show was the perfect finale. We wish all our graduating students tremendous success as they move into their careers—and we can’t wait to see what they do next. Please stay in touch!
Level 6 final reviews 🥲
28/04/2025
The Level 6 Architecture and Architectural Technology students have been engaged this semester with their final design project. We extend our gratitude to all individuals supporting our students, particularly Andrew Hassell who has participated in all reviews, providing invaluable insights, especially given Glancy Nicholls Architects involvement in multiple projects in Wolverhampton.The students are working very hard on developing a Library of Things for St Georges a brownfield site in Wolverhampton. A Library of Things is a community-oriented lending library that provides objects for borrowing rather than purchasing. The objective is to minimise waste, conserve financial resources, and advocate for sustainability.
Level 6 Microplacements
28/04/2025
As part of their Architectural Practice module assignment, Level 6 students took part in microplacements with local practices. Pairs of students spent a minimum 6hrs, organised to suit the practice and themselves, with a practice delving into three of seven set topics, all about the realities of working on live projects and running a business. On their return the student presented these topics to their peers and we were blown away by their perceptive takes on their experiences. This was such a valuable part of the student learning and experience and we are incredibly grateful to those practices that shared their time and expertise in the scheme - Glancy Nicholls, Corstophine & Wright, Donald Insall, Baily Garner, RG+P and Weedon. 🙌🙌🙌
Level 5 study trip to Porto
11/04/2025
Level 5 Architecture students spent this week wandering sun-lit Porto with Olive and Sam, soaking up its rich architectural tapestry and vibrant culture. We explored: Church of São Francisco, marveling at its Baroque gilt interiors Galeria de Arquitectura, home to rotating contemporary exhibits Palácio da Bolsa, with its ornate Arab Room Casa da Música by Rem Koolhaas, a striking example of modern concert-hall design A special thanks to Paulo Moreira and his studio team for opening their doors and sharing how they tackle urban conflict and social deprivation through context-driven design. The trip was a huge success and students returned inspired, with full sketchbooks, camera reels, and minds, buzzing with new ideas. We’re grateful to the University for making this immersive experience possible!
WLVArchitecture host the Wolverhampton & District Society of Architects AGM
19/03/2025
t was fantastic to host the Wolverhampton & District Society of Architects AGM this week and even more amazing to see our Alumni actively involved. The Society is a long standing and amazing supporter of everything we do here in WLVArchitecture and we can't thank them enough for their support over the years. Here's to lots more opportunities together in the future 👏
WLVArchitecture students exhibit at Birmingham Architecture Association's Women in Architecture
13/03/2025
We were delighted that two of our students exhibited their work at the Birmingham Architectural Association's Women in Architecture Event this year. Both Johanna Stant our MArch student and Samantha Elliott our BSc Architecture student were excellent emabssadors for the evening and were well supported by both their peers and staff inlcuding Olive White, Karis Cochrane & Sam Davey-Jones. We were also delighted to hear our supporter and past educator Emma Cochrane provide a compelling speech on her career as an architect, which was highly inspirational for our female students. Grateful to the members and sponsors of the Birmingham Architectural Association particularly Bethany Long for her relentless efforts in organising this and other inspirational and supportive events. Thank you.
Visit from Thomas Telford T-level Students
12/02/2025
Thomas Telford UTC is located within our campus, and we are pleased to extend invitations to their students for activities whenever possible. This week, we had the privilege of inviting some of the T-Levels students including Ryan Skitt to our CPD session on embodied carbon and construction materials, presented by Neil Kirk of The Façade Collective. Subsequently, we provided them with a tour of the studios to discuss their ongoing projects with the students and it was great for them to catch up with some of their past alumni including Sahad Ahmed & Nadiya Paul Thank you to the continued support of Andrew Bristow Laura Fletcher & Takudzwa Watson Chirara for their ongoing support in providing opportunities for the students.
Vertical Project 2025 - Retrofit!
13/01/2025
WLVArchitecture (University of Wolverhampton) are excited to launch our Vertical Project this morning in Springfield. This is a unique and collaborative initiative which the school runs every year which brings together both staff and students from all years of both Architecture and Architectural Technology courses in our dedicated architecture spaces.
Our emphasis remains on current issues, and 2025 is no exception.
Vertical2025-Retrofit!
We will be looking at an existing building on our site in Springfield – Block A and reimagining the existing space to provide our Forensic Science Colleagues a “New Scene House”.
This project is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in hands-on, real-world problem-solving and to innovate solutions for the intersection of architecture, sustainability, and functionality. The week will be augmented by lectures and seminars to teach and inspire us to integrate cutting edge retrofit strategies to bring Block A into the 21st century whilst respecting the past. We are very excited to see how our students will push boundaries and provide transformative designs. The significant turnout of our students at 9 AM this morning, despite some still completing assignments and preparing for the resumption of regular instruction next week, is a testimonial to their enthusiasm.
We are delighted to be joined by John Christophers Architect and retrofit expert this morning.
This week we will also be visting:
The The Reuse Hub who partner with West Midlands construction industry to divert surplus materials, providing affordable building materials to communities with Debbie Ward - Circular Economy and Carbon literacy.
Huge thanks in facilitating the visit to Willow Court Farmhouse goes to Janine Rusby, Messenger BCR Group, The Worcestershire Building Preservation Trust, West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, (WMHBT) and Rodney Melville + Partners.
RIBA Candidate Status for our MArch Course
23/12/2025
We are delighted to announce that following a board visit by the RIBA, our Master of Architecture MArch has been granted Candidate Course status for Part 2. This marks another significant milestone for the WLVArchitecture department and is testament to the hard work of the staff and students. A fantastic way to round off a busy semester and we are looking forward to more exciting projects, visits and events in Semester 2. On behalf of the entire department, we would like wish everyone Seasons Greetings and best wishes for 2025.
Christmas lecture with Alan McCartney from Howells
12/12/2024
We were delighted to be joined by the brilliant architect and storyteller Alan McCartney from Howells this evening at our Annual Christmas lecture. Great to see our students so eager to ask about fire safety in High-rise. (refer to photo 4!) What a brilliant way to finish off our semester and meet up with past alumni all kindly supported by Leigh Holt Chair of Local Wolverhampton district society of architects and RIBA West Midlands.
Architectural Storytelling from Sarah Worth
12/12/2024
In a rather hectic last week of the teaching semester we were hugely grateful to Sarah Worth for coming in to speak to all of the WLVArchitecture students about Architectural Storytelling. We loved having you here and it was a fascinating presentation - certainly got all of the students considering how they approach presenting their work going forward with lots of discussions in studio that afternoon!! Thank you again Sarah, and we look forward to seeing you again soon 👏👏👏
Architecture tour of Birmingham
28/11/2024
Just before Christmas, on a brilliantly clear and crisp morning, our Level 4 and Level 5 Architecture students set out from the University of Wolverhampton for a walking tour of Birmingham’s city centre. With scarves tucked in and coats zipped up, the group wound its way through narrow lanes and open plazas, pausing now and again to admire the intricate interplay of old and new in Birmingham’s evolving skyline.
Our ultimate destination was One Centenary Way, where Arup has recently completed a striking new office space. Thanks to Alison Kilby for welcoming us; she graciously stepped away from a busy schedule to offer an insider’s tour.
Using the Construction Holodeck
25/11/2024
We're getting to the business end of the semester here at WLVArchitecture and this week students from the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) BSc(Hons) Architectural Design Technology have started to review their design projects with the immersive technologies we have available in the Construction Holodeck on our Springfield Campus. A whole new way of engaging with designs using Unreal Engine, Twinmotion, HTC VIVE and KAT VR!
Regeneration Brainery
20/11/2024
Despite the weather yesterday we were pleased to meet everyone from Regeneration Brainery when they visited the Springfield Campus. As part of the tour of the National Brownfield Institute and WLVArchitecture everyone took part in a 'speed sketching' exercise lead by our own Karis Cochrane, where you had, 10 seconds, 1 minute and 10 minutes to draw a part of the building that was of interest. Some great results from everyone 😀
❄ Winter is coming ❄
19/11/2024
The last two days have seen cold and snowy conditions in Wolverhampton, but it also gives some amazing views of our home on the Springfield Campus. Not only the campus looks fantastic, but the short walk from Wolverhampton Railway station to the campus also looks wonderful in the snow ⛄
Student presentations in the 360˚ igloo
14/11/2024
It was a pleasure to see our L6 architecture students showcase their design projects using the outstanding 360° Igloo at the National Brownfield Institute! It’s rewarding to see how creativity and hard work can bring ideas to life. Huge thanks to Webster & Horsfall Group & Simon J. for their support in this project. We are looking forward to seeing developed schemes in stage 3! 💡👏
Meet the Employer morning
08/11/2024
On Friday, 8th November 2024, the University of Wolverhampton’s Architecture Department hosted a highly successful Meet the Employer event, bringing together a variety of local businesses to offer valuable career insights and networking opportunities to our students. Held from 7:30am to 9:30am, the event featured a range of prestigious companies, including Glancy Nicholls, Baily Garner, DHA Architects, ETC Design, Weedons, Corstophine and Wright, Wintec Facades, and Atkins Realis. Students had the opportunity to meet with industry professionals, learn about the diverse employment opportunities available, and discuss the skills and experiences sought by potential employers. Despite the early start, the event was a resounding success, providing our students with meaningful connections and insights to support their future careers in architecture. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, and we look forward to future events like this one!
Willow Court site visit
23/10/2024
On 23rd October, a group of Masters students were invited to visit the Willow Court Farmhouse restoration site. The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn about the project first-hand. The students were able to see the progress that has been made on the restoration and to speak to the project team about the challenges and rewards of working on a historic building. The students were particularly interested in the timber frame structure, which is one of the earliest elements of the farmhouse. The timber frame has been carefully repaired and is only exposed for a short period of time, so this wads a fantastic opportunity to see it. The students were also impressed by the attention to detail that is being paid to the restoration. The project team is using traditional materials and techniques to ensure that the farmhouse is restored to its former glory, with the students (and staff!) being given the opportunity to get their hands dirty with some lead bashing and plaster casting. The visit also incorporated a fantastic tour of the Grade II listed Church of the Sacred Heart and Saint Catherine of Alexandria and a talk on Digital Skills and Techniques for Architectural Heritage by Chris Hamill, Digital Interpretation consultant for Willow Court Farmhouse Project. The department would like to thank Worcerstershire Building Preservation Trust for organising the event and all those who gave up their time to share their expertise on the day, we all loved it! The visit was a great success and the students left with a better understanding of the importance of preserving our historic buildings.
Tyseley Energy Park site visit
27/09/2024
Masters and third year undergraduate Architecture students had the opportunity to visit Tyseley Energy Park and the adjacent St. Cyprian's Church. This site visit served as a valuable source of information for their upcoming design projects focused on revitalizing the church and the memorial hall.
The day began with a comprehensive tour of the Energy Park led by David Horsefall. Students were introduced to cutting-edge advancements in green technology, including:
• Hydrogen production and its application in car batteries.
• A hydrogen-powered commercial kitchen.
• Groundbreaking research on the recycling of waste minerals.
This exposure to real-world applications of sustainable practices is sure to inspire innovative solutions in the students' design projects.
Beyond the Energy Park, the visit offered a fascinating insight into the site’s rich heritage. Simon Jesson from Glancy Nicholls Architects, who is involved in developing plans for the Energy Park’s expansion, provided valuable insights into the site's future. Additionally, students engaged in discussions with community representatives, gaining invaluable local perspectives. These interactions included:
• Sandy, a knowledgeable source on the site’s history, provided context and background.
• Phil, a member of the church congregation, offered insights into the church's current state and aspirations.
• Aisha and Nara, who are collaborating with the Horsefall and Webster Trust, shared their understanding of the community's needs and how the Trust can best serve them.
These discussions highlighted the critical need for the church and memorial hall to evolve into vibrant community spaces that cater to a diverse population, intergrating and showcasing the exciting work being carried out at Tyseley Enegry Park
This site will form the brief for the students design projects: to develop proposals that not only breathe new life into these historic buildings but also address the community’s needs. The potential for innovation is immense, and the students are encouraged to:
• Draw inspiration from the cutting-edge sustainability practices showcased at the Energy Park.
• Incorporate the community’s aspirations and feedback into their designs.
• Explore creative solutions that bridge the gap between the community and local businesses.
• Celebrate the site’s unique heritage while forging a new identity for the area.
This site visit has undoubtedly provided a wealth of information and inspiration, setting the stage for the students to create impactful and meaningful designs that have the potential to transform the Tyseley community.
Spaghetti structures challenge
26/09/2024
Second year (level 5) architecture and ADT students participated in a practical exercise for their Advanced Materials Construction and Structure Module, focused on understanding structures and loads. Students were divided into five groups and tasked with constructing structures using only spaghetti, hot melt glue, and masking tape. The objective was to build a structure capable of supporting the highest number of bricks before failure. Two groups, Groups 3 and 4, successfully engineered structures that held an impressive 11 bricks before collapsing. Ultimately, Group 3 emerged victorious, their success attributed to a design that maximized strength while utilizing fewer materials. The exercise was led by staff members David Heesom and Paul Boden. Special recognition goes to David Heesom for his dedication to supplying the vast quantities of spaghetti required for the challenge. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and ingenuity!
Welcome week Black Country Living Museum visit
19/09/2024
As part of welcome week all new students in the Architecture Department enjoyed a visit to the Black Country Living Museum. This was a brilliant chance to get to know each other and enjoy our Architectural heritage, including a trip down a mine!