Charles Smith is having a very good month! Charles, based in our Peterborough Studio, has just graduated from De Montfort University gaining a distinction in his masters degree - MArch Architecture (Hons) Part II. But that’s not all, his final year project has also been shortlisted for the 2019 AJ Student Prize Sustainability Award. From 37 entries, his project – RedSands Plastics, has made it to the final 8.
The project:
Since the recent bans on waste plastic exports to Asia the UKs recycling infrastructure has come under huge strain with much of our waste plastic now going into landfill and subsequently ending up in the rivers and oceans, RedSands Plastics aims to put a stop to this.
Redsands plastics is an offshore recycling community in the Thames Estuary built upon the former WW2 Sea Fort “RedSands”.
Its primary purpose is to clean the river and estuary of waste, putting a stop to further ocean pollution. (Cleaning the oceans is now a near impossible task, the best thing we can do is stop adding to it)
The collected waste is processed and recycled on site and is used in the fabrication of various products and building components. These are used within the refurbishment and extension works to the existing structures as well as towards the sites ongoing growth into a fully self-sustaining plastic community.
Whilst the project is an architectural proposal in principal, its foremost intention was to make a statement and subsequently influence viewers to assist with the problem of plastic pollution.
The accolades don’t stop there. The project has also been awarded the Forterra Bricks Technology & Innovation Prize and the Foster & Partners Grant, judged by senior partner, Russell Hales.
Charles Smith commented;
“It has been a busy end to the academic year and I’m extremely pleased and grateful for the awards I’ve received for my final year project. It is always an honour to have your hard work recognised by your peers and these prizes are an exciting addition to achieving a distinction in my masters. My project highlights a subject I feel passionately about and hope that in addition to the design value it holds, it also raises awareness of a pivotal societal issue.”
David Legg, Jefferson Sheard Architects, Regional Director, said
“Throughout his postgrad studies Charles has really pushed himself to reach his potential as a thoughtful and conscientious designer. The accolades he’s racked up since submitting his final project are a great reflection of his abilities and ambition. Charles is a great example of the exciting new talent we aim to support and nurture at Jefferson Sheard; talented, not afraid to take on big challenges and keen to establish his own style as a designer. We’re not surprised Charles’ work has attracted such accolades! Congratulations from the whole team, Charles, on your recent achievements; all that hard work was worth the effort!”
The finalist of the AJ Student Prize 2019 for Sustainability can be viewed here…
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/story.aspx?storyCode=10043762