New Architecture Writers takes over the Architecture Foundation
The New Architecture Writers' month-long takeover at the Architecture Foundation questions the status quo and offers much needed discussion around diversity in architecture and design criticism and writing

It's been a busy few weeks at New Architecture Writers (NAW), the free programme for emerging design critics that focuses on black and minority ethnic emerging professionals in the field. The programme's second cohort (the class of 2019-2020) is in the middle of a month-long takeover at London's Architecture Foundation, exploring 'the changing nature of architectural criticism' through a series of captivating panel discussions, workshops and live interviews, themed ‘Depends on your perspective.'
The team, which consists of Nasra Abdullahi, Shawn Adams, Imani Jacqueline Brown, Nana Biamah-Ofosu, Lois Innes, Ewa Effiom, Ting Jui and Jasper van der Kort, has curated an exciting season of events – examples of esteemed guests include architect, author and academic Lesley Lokko, designer Akil Scafe-Smith and writer and journalist Owen Hatherley.
The NAW second cohort consist of Nasra Abdullahi, Shawn Adams, Imani Jacqueline Brown, Nana Biamah-Ofosu, Lois Innes, Ewa Effiom, Ting Jui and Jasper van der Kort
The event topics on offer are as far reaching as the takeover's subject matter, tackling from issues of decolonisation of the architecture practice – through the inaugural discussion between Ghana based artist Ibrahim Mahama, RESOLVE design collective co-founder Akil Scafe-Smith and Ethiopia-based multidisciplinary designer Miriam Hillawi Abraham – to ideas of power in architecture writing, as unpacked last week by speakers Tom Dyckhoff, Owen Hatherley, Leopold Lambert, Lesley Lokko and Rowan Moore. And more is yet to come, include a debate on the power of saying ‘no', coming up this Thursday 15 October.
‘The aim of the takeover is to broaden the understanding of what is considered to be architecture criticism by giving a platform to unexpected voices, this is what excites us and is the underlying aim of the NAW programme,' says the team. ‘We are also excited by the opportunity enabled by the virtual platform, to engage with people who we may otherwise struggle to get to an in-person event.'
All events are free, digital, chaired and spearheaded by members of the NAW team, and they are being recorded, so if you miss one, fear not; they all become available to watch online following its original transmission.
Founded in 2017, NAW is run by Thomas Aquilina and Tom Wilkinson with the support of the Architecture Foundation – applications for the programme's third cohort are due to open soon. But there's more to come from this dynamic group. ‘This take-over marks the end of the second NAW cohort’s programme and NAW organisers will be announcing the open call for the next round of applicants imminently. We also have exciting plans to follow that will be announced at the end of the takeover so stay tuned for that.'
INFORMATION
newarchitecturewriters.org; architecturefoundation.org.uk
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
Tuneshine is a new way of bringing back the lost art of the album cover
The compact Tuneshine screen uses LED tech to illuminate the artwork of whatever you’re currently streaming
-
Inside the new theatre at Jacob’s Pillow and its ‘magic box’, part of a pioneering complex designed for dance
Jacob’s Pillow welcomes the reborn Doris Duke Theatre by Mecanoo, a new space that has just opened in the beloved Berkshires cultural hub for the summer season
-
What to see at Rencontres d’Arles 2025, questioning power structures in the state and family
Suppressed memories resurface in sharply considered photography at Rencontres d'Arles 2025. Here are some standout photographers to see
-
The inimitable Norman Foster: our guide to the visionary architect, shaping the future
Norman Foster has shaped today's London and global architecture like no other in his field; explore his work through our ultimate guide to this most impactful contemporary architect
-
Kengo Kuma’s ‘Paper Clouds’ in London is a ‘poem’ celebrating washi paper in construction
‘Paper Clouds’, an installation by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a poetic design that furthers research into the use of washi paper in construction
-
Foster + Partners to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II
For the Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Foster + Partners designs proposal includes a new bridge, gates, gardens and figurative sculptures in St James’ Park
-
Wolves Lane Centre brings greenery, growing and grass roots together
Wolves Lane Centre, a new, green community hub in north London by Material Cultures and Studio Gil, brings to the fore natural materials and a spirit of togetherness
-
This ingenious London office expansion was built in an on-site workshop
New Wave London and Thomas-McBrien Architects make a splash with this glulam extension built in the very studio it sought to transform. Here's how they did it
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on life
Thanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being reborn as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Lego and Serpentine celebrate World Play Day with a new pavilion
Lego and Serpentine have just unveiled their Play Pavilion; a colourful new structure in Kensington Gardens in London and a gesture that celebrates World Play Day (11 June)
-
Inside Abbey Road's refresh: touring the legendary studio's new interior
Abbey Road gets an interior refresh by Threefold Architects, bringing the legendary London recording studio in tune with the 21st century