“I chose to follow the RIBA Foundation in Architecture course as I've always had a push-pull relationship with conventional education. In some ways, I’d fallen out of love with learning. I was finding the Western education system outdated and restrictive, both in terms of financial access and of creativity. I felt that in some ways school - specifically our exam systems - relegated the joy of exploration and disregarded inquisitiveness as a tool for growth. I hoped the RIBA Foundation course would reignite the learning spark in me; and provide a new way to get into an establishment like architecture that can be elitist.”
RIBA Foundation provides a stepping-stone for people from diverse backgrounds to find out whether a career in architecture is for them. The eight-month, part-time online taught course supports students to develop their first design portfolio and gain first experiences in practice. Many students join RIBA Foundation to explore their options at a point of career change.
Here, recent RIBA Foundation graduate Barakat describes her journey into starting to study architecture and how the course helped her to build on her past experiences.
“I grew up in London and I spent countless hours training as a classical ballet dancer. The discipline and beauty of that craft influenced my imagination deeply. At the same time, I was a member of a theatre company, so during my earliest years I learned about the power of storytelling and collaboration.
I often dreamed of becoming a fine artist or fashion designer, imagining a life where I could create beautiful, meaningful work. My vision of the future always revolved around the arts – whether on stage, on canvas, or through design – because I believed in their ability to connect people and inspire change.
I studied fashion with a focus on geopolitics, delving into the intersections of design, social justice, and global systems. This gave me a base from which to explore the cultural implications of design beyond aesthetics.
A huge inspiration for me was Kim Holden, who is an American architect and founder of Doula x Design. I especially admire the way that she uses design to transform the birthing process for women by her creation of thoughtful and impactful spaces. I also read Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez, which informed me further about the gender bias that affects our everyday lives. Initiatives like the Slow Factory Foundation, an award-winning arts for collective liberation movement and organisation led by Arab and Afro-Indigenous women and queer gender non-conforming artists, made me realise architecture’s potential for systemic change. Slow Factory works at the intersections of climate and culture to build partnerships and community to advance climate-positive global movements through the lenses of human rights, science, technology, and fashion.
In 2021 I participated in Gaia’s Garden, a community-based temporary public space in the heart of the City of London. Its purpose was to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world, to help educate young people and communities across Londoners on sustainable practices. It opened my eyes to how spaces profoundly impact our communities, and was absolutely a turning point for me career wise.
RIBA Foundation gave me the freedom to explore unconventional ideas. Experimenting without any immediate pressure of frigid constraints was empowering. What I found challenging was learning to embrace uncertainty whilst still producing work that had clarity and intention.
The project featured on this page, which I had started to develop as part of my A-Level in Design and Technology, became a significant focus for me on the RIBA Foundation course. The three-piece interchangeable capsule garment became a bridge between day wear and permanent, functional architecture. It felt like a turning point between wanting to be a fashion designer and wanting to be an architect – and it also showed me that I was able to blur the lines between the mediums, and work on something that could exist in both.
My paid RIBA Foundation placement was with Heatherwick Studio, where I had the opportunity to contribute to diverse projects. My role involved research, conceptual design, and exploring how form and material can tell meaningful stories in urban spaces. I was particularly excited to work on Olympia London in Kensington.
I’ve continued to work there while starting the RIBA Studio Part 1 Certificate course. It’s really challenging but rewarding. The RIBA Foundation course has equipped me with essential conceptual thinking and design skills. It’s so important to develop the confidence to explore your ideas.
In the future, I’d really like to create smaller scale, community-centred projects which create inclusive, socially impactful spaces. I’m working towards this goal through gaining diverse experiences at work.
The main piece of advice I would give to someone who wants to study architecture is, stay curious and allow yourself to explore ideas without fear of failure. Architecture isn’t just about buildings, it’s about people and the impact that you can create as an architect. Also, embrace opportunities to work across disciplines, as doing this will enrich your perspective and approach to design.”
Find out about RIBA Foundation in Architecture or register to attend an upcoming online open sessions - see information on the Oxford Brookes website.
If you want to make a positive impact and can create a role for a RIBA Foundation student, please find out more and contact us for more information.
