journal
News, updates, and comings and goings
Another academic year draws to a close and I’m still buzzing after visiting the Ravensbourne University London end-of-year degree show.
An incredible showcase of emerging talent filled the studios—spanning multiple design disciplines. Their projects explored powerful themes of social integration, ecological connectivity, and the interaction between human and non-human communities.
ATPA has been proud to collaborate with Ravensbourne over the past year on a number of initiatives and it was a real honour to present this year’s Community Impact Award to Fabiana Stan—huge congratulations!
The City of London skyline is home to some of the UK’s most iconic architectural landmarks, among them the 1971 Tower 42 (formerly the NatWest Tower). Its distinctive footprint is a direct interpretation of the NatWest Bank logo—three interlocking chevrons symbolising the coming together of three banks in unity and strength.
With such a bold and historic presence on the skyline, ATPA is proud to be appointed to commence commercial design and build works across the Tower 42 estate. We are honoured to contribute to the ongoing evolution of this landmark, continuing its legacy through thoughtful and contemporary architectural interventions.
Following a series of initial engagement workshops with the Balham & Tooting Community & Sports Club (BTCSC), architecture students from Ravensbourne University London recently presented their design proposals back to the community. These imaginative and forward-thinking solutions were rooted in meaningful engagement—built on time spent with members, thorough research and a deep understanding of the club’s heritage and aspirations.
The quality and depth of the work far exceeded expectations. BTCSC members were particularly moved to see their personal stories, values, and the club’s legacy reflected in the proposals. It was a clear demonstration of how community voices can meaningfully shape design outcomes.
This collaboration has not only provided BTCSC with inspiring concepts to inform its future transformation, but it also offered students a valuable opportunity to respond to a real-world brief. Embedding community-led design within education is essential to nurturing the next generation of architects—professionals who understand the importance of designing with, and for, the people who will use these spaces.
Proud to have been part of facilitating this partnership, bridging live community needs with the academic environment. A heartfelt thank you goes to all key contributors who made this collaboration possible. Hyacinth Parsons, Bed, MA | Alberto Villanueva Galindo | Sonia Watson OBE, Hon FRIBA, Hon.FRIAS
Next steps: The work generated through this engagement will form a valuable part of BTCSC’s strategic planning and will continue to influence the future development of the club.
The Balham & Tooting Community & Sports Club Ltd (BTCSC) was established in 1970 by 18 founding members (13 men and 5 women), many of whom were part of the original Windrush pioneers who had served in the RAF before settling in the UK. Today, the club continues to serve as a social hub for the Caribbean community in Balham and the surrounding areas, a community rooted in the experiences of the Windrush Generation of the 1950s and 60s.
Over the past 50 years, the club has remained a vital resource, offering befriending, welfare, and social services to its ageing members, as well as to the wider community. However, the building now requires significant refurbishment and a reinvention of its programmes to ensure its ongoing relevance and sustainability for current and future generations.
In collaboration with ATPA LTD Architects, BTCSC is working to bring these aspirations to life. We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Ravensbourne University London, which began this term. This collaboration, aligned with Ravensbourne’s architectural curriculum, focuses on the theme of Migration. 60 students are already engaged in exploring the club’s history, surveying the building, documenting the stories of its members, and soon they will be developing creative proposals. These proposals will be shared with members and the local community as part of their study and end-of-year degree show.
For decades, BTCSC has been a cornerstone of the Windrush community in South London, serving as a vital space for elderly members of the Windrush Generation and their families. The club has been instrumental in offering a wide range of activities, including outreach programmes, while also providing a platform to celebrate and preserve Caribbean culture through sports, music, storytelling, and cooking. Through this collaboration, we aim to not only honour the rich history of the Windrush Generation but also to build a lasting legacy for future generations.
Honoured once again to be invited as a judge at the World Architecture Festival (WAF).
It’s a real privilege to sit alongside peers from across the globe and engage with some of the most innovative, thoughtful, and inspiring work shaping our built environment today. Judging at WAF is always a reminder of the power of architecture to challenge norms, connect communities, and imagine better futures.
Looking forward to another year of incredible projects and meaningful conversations.
ATPA is proud to be collaborating with Blueprint for All, a charitable organisation committed to creating inclusive opportunities for underrepresented young people in the built environment and creative industries. Our partnership focuses on providing meaningful, real-world architectural experience and mentorship to students and emerging talent from diverse backgrounds.
