Showcase 2026 Student Spotlight: John Grant
Student Spotlight featuring BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student John Grant and his project 'Kirkby Observatory'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 10 April 2026
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The Project
John Grant's project is an observatory and planetarium located in Kirkby Stephen. The
development is designed as a hub for research, education, and community engagement, incorporating workspaces, a library, lecture theatres, hireable office space, and new open green areas for public use.
The concept aims to create a facility that takes full advantage of the area’s dark skies while also giving back to the local community. Kirkby Stephen is situated approximately 30 miles from Penrith, positioned between the Lake District, North Pennines, and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. The site benefits from a Bortle Class 3 rating, a measure of light pollution on a scale of 1 to 9. This represents a rare level of darkness for a location within reach of major towns, making it particularly well-suited for astronomical observation and the proposed development.
John's project is an observatory and planetarium located in Kirkby Stephen. Image by John Grant.
The inspiration behind the project
The impetus for the project stems from John's own strong interest in space and the idea of advancing further as a space-faring civilisation.
"As we were able to develop a project based on our own interests, this was
one of the initial concepts I explored. The typology was particularly appealing due to the unique design challenges it presents, as well as the opportunity to develop something distinctive which, to my knowledge, hadn't been tried before.
"When I found the site in Kirkby Stephen, it only strengthened the proposal, with its dark skies and available space offering the potential to enhance the local area while creating great facilities. The site’s allocation for development by the council also helped ground the project in a realistic context."
For John, light pollution was key consideration in the design process. As he explains: "It is estimated that roughly a third of the world’s population can no longer see the Milky Way, which informed my research into reducing a building's impact on the night sky. The project explores how design strategies
can minimise light pollution if fully adapted, which could help increase the number of places where the night sky can be clearly experienced."
The facility takes advantage of the area’s dark skies for astronomical observation. Image by John Grant.
The project experience
John says: "Working on this project in my final year has challenged a range of skills I have developed throughout my time at university, particularly in time management, organisation, and understanding each stage of the design process. The initial freedom of the brief was both exciting and daunting, as it required selecting a project that I would personally be invested in throughout the whole academic year, alongside identifying a suitable site. This project has pushed my knowledge further and encouraged me to think more critically
about design decisions, applying what I have learned in previous years to create a complex and resolved proposal. It has acted as a showcase of my time at university, allowing me to showcase both my interests and the skills I have developed."
Detail from the south elevation. Image by John Grant.
Being part of NTU
Summing up his time studying BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology at NTU, John considers it as having been both professionally and personally rewarding.
"Over the past four years, I have improved my confidence and developed strong skills in technical understanding, time management, and communication, shaped through a range of experiences including studio work, open days as a student ambassador, part-time roles, presentations, and design reviews. Each has contributed to my development in different ways, while also providing experiences and friendships that will stay with me long term.
"The Architectural Technology course has provided a strong balance between design and technical understanding, helping me to develop a well-rounded approach to projects. The integrated placement year was particularly valuable, offering real industry experience and ensuring that we leave the course better prepared for professional practice."
John says there have been many memorable moments, but the two that stand out are his placement year at Foster + Partners, and his role as a Senior Ambassador, supporting prospective students and their families at university open days and developing his public speaking skills by giving welcome talks.
John Grant, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology.
Closing remarks
John has the following advice for potential future students of Architectural Technology:
"If you are considering university and feel it is the next step for you, I would strongly encourage you to go for it. It is a significant commitment, but it offers a wide range of opportunities, from societies and part-time work to events, new experiences, and meeting people from different backgrounds. It also allows you to develop independence at your own pace and gain a better understanding of yourself.
"In terms of Architectural Technology specifically, if you are interested in how buildings are designed, both aesthetically and technically, Architectural Technology provides a great balance of both. It challenges you to think critically and develop practical skills, while also offering strong links to industry, creating an excellent starting point for a career in architecture. Overall, my advice would be to make the most of your time, take every opportunity available
to you, and not be afraid to put yourself forward. It is an experience directed and influenced by you, and I hope you gain as much from it as I have."
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