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
-
A street-like Pune clubhouse celebrates the ‘joy of shared, unhurried experiences’A brick clubhouse in Pune by Studio VDGA reflects the fluidity and openness of the Indian way of life with a series of welcoming plazas, courtyards and lanes
-
A 432 Park Avenue apartment is an art-filled family home among the cloudsAt 432 Park Avenue, inside and outside compete for starring roles; welcome to a skyscraping, art-filled apartment in Midtown Manhattan
-
Kitchen Trends 2026: luminosity, colour, and unexpected materialityThese are kitchen trends shaping interior design in 2026, from collaborative kitchens to warm luminosity
-
The inimitable Norman Foster: our guide to the visionary architect, shaping the futureNorman 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 IIFor 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 togetherWolves 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 workshopNew 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 lifeThanks 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 pavilionLego 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 interiorAbbey Road gets an interior refresh by Threefold Architects, bringing the legendary London recording studio in tune with the 21st century
