Showcase 2026 Student Spotlight: Lucas Connolly
Student Spotlight featuring BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design student Lucas Connolly and his project 'The Green House'.
Image by Lucas Connolly.
The inspiration behind the project
Lucas explains:
"The brief asked us to imagine a future in which AI and automation has made human labour redundant, which raises a big question about what is actually important to us. Do we live to work, or do we work to live? And in a world without the necessity of work, what would we want to improve about the way we live?
"This led me to research the UK's current societal and environmental challenges, and how other architectural cultures approach lifestyle and wellbeing. I was heavily inspired by the Italian piazza, and in finding a way of translating the slow-paced, relaxed and outdoor spaces into the British climate. I was also inspired by the Nordic approach to community and collective spirit even in harsher weather."
Image by Lucas Connolly.
The project experience
Lucas says that working on the project has strengthened his design ethos and that the forward-looking nature of the brief made him think analytically about the way in which architecture facilitates living and wellbeing.
"It's been fantastic to be able to dedicate so much time and passion into a design, and my visual language, technical skillset and design philosophy have really developed because of it. Whilst it definitely hasn’t been a straightforward or easy journey, the end result is something I’m really proud to put my name to."
Image by Lucas Connolly.
Being part of NTU
When it comes to reflecting on his time at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Lucas says that the "studio culture" on the course was probably his favourite aspect.
"It's been an incredibly enjoyable shared experience with my coursemates," he says, adding:
"The integrated placement year on my course has really prepared me with industry experience and a consistent, dedicated attitude. My time at NTU has really pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could achieve, and I’ve become way more confident in both my work and myself as a person."
Closing remarks
"The most important part of this experience is to go through it with friends. When you’re all working together in the studio, the days become so much more enjoyable and result in a much higher level of work, as you're all sharing ideas and helping each other get through it. It is definitely a challenging course, but doing it with your friends makes it a lot easier. Also make sure you're doing work that actually interests you - tailoring your projects towards your own interests really benefits both the quality of the design and of the overall experience. Being excited to be there everyday will make all the difference."
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Our Student Showcase is open to the public from 30 May until 5 June 2026 and available to view online. Take a look at the work of our talented architecture and product design students.