The Masters in Architecture at KSAP began the year expertly shepherded by Mike Richards, as per the previous 16 years, but was passed over to Ambrose Gillick in late 2022. A course like the MArch, made of so many moving parts – units, briefs, timetables, lectures, modules, exams and examiners, guidance, exhibitions, ad infinitum – is a serious complex beast, but so far things have carried on totally serenely. Mike remains very close by, and the new management depend upon his steadying presence. 

  

The MArch programme this year has continued its love affair with the southeast, with one design unit based in Kent, one on the Thames Estuary, and two in suburban and (almost) central London. Unit 1, led by Chris Jones, explored new urban spaces in coastal hinterlands from Purfleet in Essex to the isle of Thanet in Kent, designing improved human-natural environments for production. Alessia Mosci Unit 2 looked at the theme of transformation’ through the lens of the continuing discourse between analogue and digital production, and ways physical making and fabrication used alongside digital techniques, might embrace the unexpected, creative mistakes and glitches that can push the boundaries of architectural production, and all that on London’s Old Kent Road. Michael Holms Coats’ Unit 3 looked at character, and how this often neglected aspect of urban culture might be seen, interpreted and reimagined through a deep study of Folkestone, guided by the unit’s customary practice of by drawing and making. Yorgos Loizos’ Unit 2 investigated social and urban perspectives to create new images of the city through an exploration of the importance of points of view in the urban environment, both in sociological and geometrical terms, based on an amazing site in London, on the banks of the Deptford Creek. In all this work, Stage 4 and Stage 5 were ably assisted by technology lectures and seminars delivered by Giri Ranganathan (Stage 4) and in Stage 5, Matt Woodthorpe, who took over module delivery from Henrik Schoenefeldt, supported by Oliver Watson. In Stage 4, Peter Wislocki continued to deliver his exemplary Employability module, getting students up to speed on the practice of architects, and Ambrose Gillick lead the history and theory module, Cultural Context. In Stage 5, KSAP’s Options module resulted in more wonderful student-led studies – with artefacts, pedagogy (led bt Rebecca Hobbs) and written work discoursing on themes as wide-ranging as model-making, water-filtration and the use of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals in undergraduate teaching. 

  

Whilst all architecture students are equal, MArch students are more equal than others. They remain the feather in the cap of the School and their continued diligence, joy and creativity is an inspiration. Next year, in new accommodation at the heart of the reimagined and restored studios, the programme will grow in strength, acting as a beacon for all of us here at KSAP.