NUCA appoints BA Architecture Course Leader

From September 2012 students will be able to study BA Architecture, the first course of its kind in the region, at Norwich University College of the Arts. Today they announce the appointment of architect and academic, Adrian Friend, to develop and lead the course.

Anthony Hudson of Norwich based Hudson Architects, who last week won the RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Architectural Award for his conversion of a 19th century warehouse to a state of the art digital media centre at NUCA said, "Adrian Friend is a fantastic appointment, and will get the architecture school at NUCA off to a great start. The new BA Architecture is very welcome news for local students and architecture practices alike as there is a need to attract and retain talented and well-trained architects in the region. Adrian is extremely talented himself and I am sure he will be a huge asset for NUCA when the architecture course begins in 2012."

Friend joins NUCA from the University of Nottingham where, as head of BArch Year 2 studies, he established a vibrant successful studio programme. Friend believes that not only do good students inspire teachers, but teaching also brings architects together in a collaborative context that is very different from the competing ideologies of architectural practices. He firmly believes that teaching demands greater reflection on the practice of architecture, which in turn leads to more interesting built work, and therefore develops architects into more inspirational tutors.

Founder of Friend and Company Architects, Friend's work has been widely published in Blueprint, Architects' Journal, Building Design and Wallpaper*. The latest 'Corner House' project was published in Architect's Journal (22nd September 2011).

Friend says: "The new course is a superb opportunity to return the study of architecture to its traditional art school context supported by talented architects, old and new! We are lucky to have on our doorstep some of the best house designers and architects in the UK. I believe Norfolk and Norwich architects are the future model of a sustainable profession. It is important we understand the professional micro-climate and how the definition of architecture is constantly changing and evolving."

Principal, Professor John Last added: “We are delighted that Adrian who is not only a successful practising architect but also experienced academic, has agreed to join us to develop and lead this degree. The introduction of BA Architecture at NUCA not only responds to strong student demand but will complement a portfolio of arts, design and media courses that are characterised by strong links to industry, employability and practice based learning."