Beginnings: RIBA/ICE Mcaslan Bursary Exhibition

John McAslan + Partners and the dreamspace gallery at Adrem have teamed up to present an exhibition of extraordinary projects brought to life by the RIBA/ICE McAslan Bursary. The Bursary supports collaborative projects proposed by architectural and engineering students and graduates, designed to bring about social and community improvements throughout the UK and overseas.

The humble ideas of students and graduates become reality through the Bursary, which supports the development of collaborative projects. The exhibition, aptly entitled ‘Beginnings’, will feature a selection of those that came to fruition, offering an insight into the diversity, commitment and implicit humanity that floods each one of them. Detailed drawings, beautiful photographs and prototype models will allow the viewer to discover a profound spirit prevalent in architectural research and experiment. The projects selected for ‘Beginnings’ highlight the opportunities available for social change, improving the quality of urban life and engaging communities in the implementation of design.

John McAslan, Chairman from John McAslan + Partners, said “We are delighted to be holding this exhibition with Adrem, and for this opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic projects we are proud to have been able to support. The people who worked hard to complete these architectural explorations deserve recognition for their commitment, and now we can display some of the fascinating work they have done to change the lives of people all over the world.”

Featured projects include the provision of shade for villagers in Shimakeldi, India, by Craig Bamford and his team who embarked on a collaborative process to prevent villagers and saplings perishing from the fierce temperatures of the dry season. Nikki Linsell’s project for A4A was designed to promote the importance of conservation to Transylvanian villagers to bring about long term cultural and economical benefits. The One Year House by Asif Khan and Julia King presents a refugee shelter on the Thailand – Burma border at camp MaeLa. Inspired by a desire to help the brutal suffering of hundreds of thousands fleeing the Burmese military junta, Khan
and King developed a flexible structural jointing system and ridge roof detail to improve shelter whilst complying with restrictive Thai laws preventing permanent structures being built on refugee camps. This is just a taster. Some projects are architectural, others conceptual or social.

Del Hossain of Adrem and Director of the dreamspace gallery said: “We are delighted to bring attention to the excellent contribution made by the McAslan Bursary. Selfless deeds made outside the normal realm of business are often the most effective contributions to changing lives. We have seen as much from our own experience. It’s great to see this initiative push forward idealistic actions that help developing communities to help themselves. This exhibition highlights the energy and challenges encountered during these projects, captured through some exquisite imagery and models.’’

The exhibition is part of the London Festival of Architecture, under the ‘Fresh Talent’ theme.