ArchiVisit - Organised by SACES in collaboration with iAS

Planning for the 7th edition of ArchiVisit is now underway, and anticipation is already growing among students of the Faculty for the Built Environment. As preparations begin, it is valuable to reflect on last year’s 6th edition, organised by SACES in collaboration with iAS. Held annually in London, ArchiVisit offers students a unique opportunity to experience architecture first-hand through professional visits, workshops, and site tours. The 6th edition included students from first-year BSc to Master level, fostering a dynamic mix of perspectives.

The trip opened with a visit to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), where students attended a presentation on the structural innovations behind some of the firm’s landmark projects. A hands-on design workshop followed, challenging students to create a proposal for a vacant Maltese site while considering topography, context, and sustainability.

The morning concluded with presentations and a discussion on SOM’s approach to environmentally responsible design.

In the afternoon, the group explored the Bartlett School of Architecture, where they were introduced to a broad range of creative design approaches. Bartlett students presented their work, leading to meaningful conversations about process and experimentation. A tour of the summer exhibition and the school’s extensive workshops exposed visitors to the materials, tools, and models that support their process.

The second day began with a technical visit to the Gtech Community Stadium, guided by ARUP. Students learned about the engineering behind the stadium’s canopy before touring the pitch, changing rooms, and internal facilities.

In the afternoon, the group moved to the Olympia London redevelopment site with Wintech. Equipped in full PPE, they explored different construction phases and gained insight into structural systems and design decisions. A memorable highlight was the theatre situated on the upper levels.

Wednesday started with a visit to Barking Riverside with Hilson Moran. Students examined the masterplan, studied a large-scale model, and toured the sustainable drainage facility, gaining a sense of the project’s scale and environmental focus.

Later, in Brixton, the group toured the Squire and Partners Department Store, learning about the adaptive reuse strategies that transformed the historic building. The visit ended at the rooftop bar, offering time to reflect and unwind.

Thursday was spent at Kingston University, where students explored an impressive array of student work and fabrication tools, including advanced model-making technologies. A hands-on earth brick workshop encouraged teamwork and experimentation as students tested material ratios and created personalised bricks.

The final day was held at Kew Gardens with Mizzi Studio, touring installations such as The Hive and The Carbon Garden. A final workshop invited students to design a nature-inspired canopy for an unused garden plot. The trip concluded at the Royal College of Art, where students engaged with designers at the summer architecture exhibition.

ArchiVisit once again proved to be an inspiring blend of education and community-building. Many participants left with new friendships, fresh ideas, and a deeper appreciation for the profession—setting a strong foundation for the upcoming 7th edition.