For over 10 years CFD architects in Saltash have been writing a brief for a work experience competition that has now become an annual event, with practices all over the South West and Wessex taking part.
Students look at the whole process from a client’s brief, studying requirements and constraints, researching background, communication, and creating a design. Projects are then considered by a team of architects and architecture students at the University of Plymouth.
The brief is free for anyone to use, as an easy way to structure a week’s work experience and has included themes such as lifeguard towers, band stands, beach huts, and - this year - an Olympic Games Paris 2024 ticket kiosk.
There is no obligation to enter the competition part - you could simply use the brief - but it is recommended as a way to imitate real life experience of working to achieve short deadlines or applying for work as part of a tender process.
All students taking part are invited to attend the autumn lecture at the University of Plymouth where there is an prize giving for the best entries to inspire their future education and career.
It would be fantastic to see more practices involved and using the brief for their work experience students across the region. The more, the merrier.
The 2024 brief
Download this year’s brief (courtesy of cfd-architects.co.uk) for the RIBA South West work experience competition where you’ll also find the submission guidance for entries.
