Showcase 2026 Student Spotlight: Salem Minda
Student Spotlight featuring BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student Salem Minda and her project 'Waterfront Square: A Museum of Art and Sustainability'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 9 April 2026
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The Project
Designed by BSc Architectural Technology student Salem Minda, Waterfront Square is an arts centre located in the Canon’s Marsh area of Bristol. It is designed to be a space where art serves as a medium to educate the public on sustainable living. The centre includes interactive museum spaces, learning spaces and galleries, including digital and sensory rooms, that explore themes of sustainability and social justice. It also provides studio and co-working spaces for local artists.
The project aims to become a landmark within the area while prioritising sustainability and accessibility. It is envisioned to be a community centred environment that supports wellbeing through engagement with art and nature. Green spaces are integrated throughout the scheme to create a calming and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging visitors to connect with both the environment and each other.
The building looks out over the harbour. Image by Salem Minda.
The inspiration behind the project
Salem explains: "The design was developed in response to the site and its surrounding context. It addresses constraints such as its conservation area setting through the use of materials that resemble nearby stone architecture. The building sits on a raised plinth as a flood mitigation measure due to its flood zone 3 status and is stepped back from the boundary to preserve views to Bristol Cathedral. This also supports integration with the adjacent public square, with the forecourt acting as an extension of the square. Key elevations frame views of the harbour to the east and the cathedral to the north, while the south façade, which has clear sightlines from across the harbour, features a prominent canopy."
The project experience
Salem describes working on this project has having been equally challenging and rewarding. "From selecting a site and developing an initial concept to producing a technically resolved design, I have applied skills from previous years while strengthening my design, technical, and software abilities. I was able to explore creative ideas while developing my understanding of informed decision making. It has helped me better understand my identity as a designer and prepared me for future work within the industry."
The centre includes interactive museum spaces, learning spaces and galleries. Image by Salem Minda.
Being part of NTU
Reflecting on her time at NTU, Salem considers it a "journey of growth". She says: "I came into this degree with limited knowledge of architecture but with an enthusiasm to learn. I will be leaving having gained skills ranging from initial design development to technical resolution, as well as managing and modelling commercial projects across RIBA stages using Autodesk Revit, utilising BIM standards, cloud collaboration, and parametric modelling. Learning several rendering and Adobe Creative Cloud software has also improved my skills in visual representation. Additionally, my time management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills have developed significantly."
One of the high points of the course was the trip she and her fellow students took in their second year to the Centre for Alternative Technology.
"Sustainability has been a key focus throughout our projects, from Passive House design to net zero carbon targets," she explains. "This emphasis, alongside evolving UK regulations, has shaped my growing interest in sustainable design and led to my ongoing research project exploring passive strategies to reduce operational carbon. Visiting CAT reinforced this passion, where we observed the use of innovative materials and renewable energy systems. Being immersed in nature with my cohort and socialising outside of class also made it a particularly valuable and memorable experience."
The forecourt serves as an extension of the public square. Image by Salem Minda.
Closing remarks
Salem says that, while the course is challenging, the support from both lecturers and fellow students, combined with NTU's facilities and resources has made it worthwhile. "I would definitely recommend the course to prospective students. Navigating the course helps you develop valuable life skills and leaves you with a wide range of knowledge, skills, and career opportunities following graduation. You are able to be creative while gaining the technical and software skills needed in the industry."
She adds: "NTU also offers an abundance of social opportunities, which together make for both a fun and educationally fulfilling university experience."
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