British Land has today announced a new design partnership with the Royal College of Art, the world’s number one university for Art and Design. The three-year initiative will challenge students to find creative solutions to development opportunities across British Land’s portfolio.
Innovative and inspired design is integral to British Land’s vision to create Places People Prefer. The company has a long history of commitment to future generations through a range of initiatives with local communities. This programme has been designed to further develop young designers as well as help up and coming talent to access opportunities in the property industry.
MA Architecture students studying at the Royal College of Art will take part in The ‘Live Project Architecture Programme’, a competition to create a design proposal in response to a brief from British Land. Launching in October, the first of the series of initiatives will follow the winning concept through to installation.
The winning design will play an important role in British Land’s approach to creating places where people want to work, shop and live. The company welcomes the perspective the design talent of the future can bring whether through original ideas, new ways of working or a wider diversity of thought.
British Land CEO, Chris Grigg, comments: “Great design is key to our ambition to create Places People Prefer. British Land has long recognised the importance of encouraging designers and architects of the future and has worked closely with community partners to support numerous local initiatives. Our partnership with the Royal College of Art demonstrates our continued commitment to investing in future generations of creative talent who can bring inspiring and engaging designs to our properties making a positive impact today and in the future.”
Adrian Friend, Senior Tutor, Architecture at the Royal College of Art, comments: “British Land has a long history of supporting future generations of designers and architects – they provide a fine example of the benefits that these partnerships can bring. Our students benefit from the opportunity to realise live projects particularly as this is an area in which emerging technologies and ideas are formed and realised. British Land’s position as a globally recognised company, with local knowledge and expertise in architecture, engineering and design will be invaluable to our students.”
British Land is an active patron of the arts and design world and has worked closely with local community partners to get a wide range of people interested in the role art and design plays in the broader environment. The company has run a series of successful initiatives and programmes with partner organisations including Creative Curriculum, Sculpture in the City, Construction Youth Trust and Pathway to Property.
Further details on British Land’s and the Royal College of Art’s Live Project Architecture Programme will be announced in October when the brief is presented to the students
