Florence is from Norwich, and is a final year student on M ARCH: Architecture at Central Saint Martins.
Why did you choose to study your course and why CSM?
Working in journalism and running awards programmes gave me a great insight into contemporary spatial practice, but I also saw many projects fail to grapple with the urgency of climate and instead play into the financialisaton of land. This, coupled with navigating the difficulties of publishing critical discourse, and the rigorous efforts that go into producing printed media, inspired me to re-enter education and develop my personal practice, which is rooted in communication, engagement, and systems change.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
I’m enjoying my final-year major project, titled 'Scenography for Spatial Justice', which looks at how performance and its spatial counterparts can inform better engagement around gentrification and its impact on local communities. Situated in South Bermondsey ahead of a regeneration project led by a private developer, I explore how inaccessible planning documents can be brought to life using absurdity as a tool for conversation.
Have you completed any work placements/internships whilst being on the course?
In Unit 4, I undertook a placement at AAB Architects in Archway as an architectural assistant. My role focused on developing an engagement strategy, working with residents on an estate facing demolition to create a retrofit proposal. During this time, I also curated a wall at the Retrofitting Social Housing: Alternatives to Demolition exhibition at the Building Centre, which aimed to share knowledge on current resident-led housing campaigns across the UK.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Come with questions, energy, and an open mind. Be prepared for your practice to twist and turn as it develops, and trust the process.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
Being part of the Forest School unit in Year One, in which we worked closely with the team at Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent. Day trips to the forest were so energising, and situating my practice in this way, and engaging with external partners from day one, has continued to inform my approach.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
I would like to have set up a local centre for spatial engagement and be stewarding the space. I'd like to run workshops, form networks with other local groups, and continually test my practice of prop-making and political theatre as ways of exchanging knowledge and holding space for collective action within areas undergoing gentrification.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
To be comfortable with ‘not-yet-knowing’.
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