Westminster students get inspired at Student Climate Action Network Festival

StuCAN and the Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN) hosted an inspiring two-day festival at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Machynlleth, Wales, an educational charity renowned for researching and communicating positive solutions for environmental change. Over 60 students from various universities across the UK gathered to explore sustainability within the building environment. 

The University of Westminster students attended the StuCAN festival as part of their involvement in the School of Architecture + Cities Climate Action Task Force (ArCCAT). This task force is comprised of staff and students from across the School of Architecture + Cities and is committed to bringing about the cultural shift in education necessary to fight climate change.  

ArCCAT initiatives include addressing the climate crisis, building collaborative relations between staff and students to collectively develop a more climate conscious curriculum, establishing links between disciplines in the school around climate, raising levels of climate literacy in the school and promoting climate conscious practice externally. 

The StuCAN festival featured a diverse range of activities, including a sustainable water system tour hike, engaging lectures from students and keynote speakers such as Charlie Edmonds, Neba Sere, Barnabas Calder and Alice Brown. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in collaborative activities and drawing workshops, fostering creative expression in the pursuit of sustainable solutions. 

Maja Kurantowicz, a second-year student on the Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA Part II) course, said: “Attending the festival and interacting with so many like-minded individuals was an invigorating experience. I highly enjoyed all the talks, lectures, and workshops and have learned a lot from them. Charlie Edmonds' lecture resonated most with me, emphasizing the pivotal role architects hold in addressing the climate crisis and advocating for economic degrowth. It reinforced the urgency for young future architects like myself to drive impactful transformations in our profession. My main takeaway from the festival is that collective climate action is absolutely vital in combating the climate crisis; as a collective force, we might just about stand a chance of bringing significant systemic change.” 

Kristina Veleva, a first-year student on the Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA Part II) course, said: “When the opportunity arose to participate in the StuCAN festival, I didn't hesitate for a moment; it was an unequivocal yes! Being a member of ACAN, I've witnessed the impactful work they've accomplished over the years and have even contributed to some projects. This made me particularly eager to engage with this event as a student. The Center for Alternative Technology has long been a source of inspiration for me, particularly through their groundbreaking efforts in sustainability and material research. The highlight of the event for me was undoubtedly the chance to connect with like-minded individuals from across the UK, exchanging perspectives on the pressing issues confronting architecture and the built environment.” 

Sara Vannella, a third-year student on the Interior Architecture BA Honours course, said: “The talks from inspiring architects encouraging a sustainable future and the activities organised to generate sustainable debate among architectural students, together with the surreal landscape surrounding the site, made this journey an indescribable positive experience. This enriched my commitment to becoming a responsible designer aware of the positive changes that sustainable architecture can bring to communities and our ecosystems.” 

Wing Ting Vanessa Keung, a second-year student on the Master of Architecture (MArch) (RIBA Part II) course, said: “As a final year MArch student and a member of the ArCCAT taskforce, my interest in attending stemmed from a desire to learn how peers are promoting sustainability and climate change awareness. My focus on new biomaterials and our taskforce's efforts in climate literacy projects aligned perfectly with the ethos of CAT, making it an ideal venue for this gathering. This festival was not just an educational experience; it was a profound reminder of the collective strength and creativity within the student climate action community. Meeting like-minded individuals and realizing that we are not alone in our endeavours has infused my work with ArCCAT with renewed vigour and inspiration. The discussions and workshops opened avenues for collaborative projects and larger-scale events, such as inter-university competitions, suggesting a future where our universities can network more effectively to amplify our impact on climate literacy and sustainability.” 

This event directly contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society. 

Learn more about Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design courses at the University of Westminster.