Showcase 2024 Student Spotlight: James Clay
Student Spotlight featuring BArch (Hons) Architecture, James Clay, and his project, 'Broadmarsh Artisan Collective'.
By Antonio Cuyas | Published on 20 May 2024
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The project
The Broadmarsh Artisan Collective is a multidisciplinary creative space giving opportunity to the youth of Nottingham through the planting of a craftsmanship seed of skill. It is done as a response to the rapid decline of support and neglect of our youth coupled with the recent bankruptcy of Nottingham.
Providing a starting point for the youth in craft allows the seed to grow into opportunities for creative career paths. This seed is grown by the resident artists and architects who use the studio and office spaces, to work on their individual projects. The artists and architects work simultaneously, offering support and creative direction on each other’s projects and involve the youth in these projects where they learn and have a creative influence as well.
Public engagement is key for this project’s longevity and the building is designed for communication between the public and craftsman. There is a library and exhibition space where the public can see and read about the work happening in the building and the positive impact it is having on the city.
This is supplemented with a garden space that displays the sculptures and art produced within the studios. The garden is split into rooms where in some parts it is a quiet and reflective space where people can be immersed in nature and allow the concepts and ideas of their projects to grow, just like how the skill of craftmanship is intended to grow, and in other rooms, it is designed for socialising where the exchange of ideas can happen between craftsmen or exchanges with the public.
Inspiration behind the project
The main inspiration behind this project for James is his faith. As he was developing his project, James discovered at church the extent of how many resources to the youth were closing down such as youth centres. And in light of the rise in mental health problems and knife crime among the younger generation, I believe they need more direction.
James was led to the scripture Mark 4:30-32 which talks about the kingdom of God being a mustard seed and how even though it is the smallest seed, it grows to be the biggest plant, and he related this to his university experience. Everyone started this course with little knowledge of architecture, but now everyone is equipped to venture into the professional world. James then thought about how this could apply to his project.
This inspired James to create a project that would guide the youth, interested in creative endeavours but without much opportunity, to follow their dreams, and provide the resources that would give them direction to allow their creative skills to grow.
Being part of NTU
Being a part of NTU has been an amazing experience where James has been able to find friends for life. The university has supported him in his studies as well as everything that he is interested in extra-curricular through the many opportunities they provide and the societies that the university has to offer. The city is also nice to live in and having the campus a part of the city made getting to everything very easy.
Working within the Arkwright building was also a joy as the building is very beautiful and James would always look forward to spending time within the studio spaces.
Closing remarks
This course isn’t like any other course. It is a life experience that has not only equipped me with the skills ready for the next steps in the world of architecture but has moulded me into a more resilient, disciplined, and creative person. Passion is the secret to fully enjoying and flourishing in this course, never lose that spark that is causing you to choose a career path in Architecture!
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