📃 On paper
Module breakdown
This time is spent in the studio (7am-10pm) and/or workshop (9.30am-5pm) and you will have 2 tutorials with design tutors a week in 1st year and 1 per week from 2nd year, when you also get to chose a unit (each unit has two tutors, a brief+field trip they will present at the start of the year). Each unit has a unique approach to architecture, and will have an interview/conversation with you if you chose them to see if they’re a good fit for you. It sounds quite daunting but it’s very casual and helpful in my experience.
Then there are supporting modules in history+theory (1-3), technology and environmental design (1-3) and practice and enterprise (1-2). The lectures are mostly amazing because you’ll be hearing a different practitioner and/or researcher every week, many are experts in their fields.
In second and third year you get additional tutorials with practising architects, structural and environmental engineers to help with the technical aspects of your design project.
👐🏻 General approach
Sometimes there’s a bit too much perfectionism but the many tutorials+crits (with invited guests) give a lot of input from various creatives (sometimes too much) which constantly challenges your own way of thinking.
Although the focus on individual creativity remains, there has been a shift recently with more socially/environmentally minded units starting up. The Bartlett is also working on an outpost in Flimwell Forest, East Sussex, which will offer space to construct and test designs at scale, and work with ecologists and craftspeople inspired by the AA’s Hooke Park.
💖 Student support
The summer show and end of year party in the portico/historic bit of UCL is definitely the highlight though (when there isn’t a pandemic…)
There is always someone to speak to and you can take time out or transfer courses if you are struggling. You will also have a 2nd or 3rd year mentor in 1st year and a personal tutor for pastoral care for all 3 years.
Assigned personal tutors and have a mentoring scheme first year. Student mental health support strongly communicated and accessible via weekly drop in sessions.
🛠️ Facilities
Free adobe software provided. State of the art workshop facilities. Robotics lab
The various units can open many doors (animation, metal work, coding etc.). For learning new softwares there are unit specific skill classes and open classes in the evenings that anyone in the school can attend.
📄 Application Process
Drawing task requested once application is submitted. If successful, a second personal statement and interview is organised to show portfolio.
😉 Insider Tips
There’s always some spare materials you can take in B-Made at the back don’t be so quick to buy a fresh sheets of plywood/ metal.
Studio is not open 24/7.
🔗 Other links
https://www.instagram.com/bartlettkiosk/?hl=en
Catalogues from previous years
https://issuu.com/bartlettarchucl/stacks/9e12e194ae8e4ca195884c0ccb6d8d73
Virtual summer show 2020 (starts 10th September):
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture/news/2020/jul/save-date-bartlett-summer-show-2020