The University of Westminster recently held MORE 2025, the annual degree show celebrating the work developed by postgraduate students from the School of Architecture and Cities (SAC) throughout the year. The exhibition showcased how students are tackling contemporary issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, spatial justice, rising living costs, over-reliance on cars, poor infrastructure and the increasing privatisation of the public space.
The exhibition, organised by the Course Leader of the University’s Architecture MA programme Dr Nasser Golzari and Event Coordinator Daniel Scroggins, reflected the interdisciplinary approach of students and colleagues, bringing together everything from design and craft to planning, transport, urban change and professional skills.
Held between 19-26 September at the University’s Marylebone Campus, the show exhibited a variety of work across courses including Architecture MA, Architecture and Environmental Design MSc, Interior Architecture MA, International Planning and Sustainable Development MA, Architecture Postgraduate Diploma Professional Practice (RIBA Part III), Transport Planning MSc and Urban Design MA.
This year’s theme for the degree show, titled Every Fraction of a Degree Matters, focused on the Schools’ wider and ongoing response to climate injustice. Projects were designed to be intensely local yet globally connected, reframing living in London, the UK and beyond. All course briefs spanned architecture, interiors, planning, transport and tourism and acknowledged environmental responsibility and the urgent need for ethical practice.
Several student prizes were awarded during the show, generously supported by industry partners across different courses. For Architecture MA, four private sector awards were presented. The Weston Williamson and Partners Award for Creative and Inclusive City Design was awarded to Camille Marti. The Arkitek TM (Sun Y-Yee) Award for Innovative Methodologies was awarded to Mohamad Mohamad. Seyyed Sepehr Esfahani was awarded both the Harnam Developers Surjit Cheema Award for Critical and Comprehensive Written Thesis and the NG Architects – Jila Golzari Award for Engagement with and Contribution to the Course.
For the Interior Architecture MA, Spradling® UK have provided materials for the Technical Study module throughout the year and sponsored three prizes recognising students’ creativity, large-scale testing and innovative use of materials. Malwina Szwed won first place for her exceptional work and creativity, receiving a prize of £1000. Emily Fung was recognised for her strong design and use of materials and received the second place prize of £750. Lastly, Nadia Khatun won third place, which celebrated her efforts and achievements.
Samir Pandya, Architect and Associate Head in External Relations in the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries, said: “The exhibition showcases the extraordinary quality and imagination of our students. It highlights innovative ideas that are as exciting as they are necessary and affirm that our graduates will be key agents of change in the built environment. What impressed me most, given the diversity of courses and areas of inquiry, was a shared and deep commitment to advancing social and climate justice. This next generation of practitioners will lead with creativity, intelligence and purpose.”
S. Sepehr Seyyed Esfahani, Architecture MA student, commented: “MORE was a fantastic opportunity to encounter a diversity of student projects and multidisciplinary in scope, each driven by different concerns, questions and forms of creativity. From technical and environmental issues to cultural narratives, this diversity made the exhibition distinct and inspiring.
“I was honoured to present London’s Ballads, my thesis on architecture, narrative and storytelling in London, alongside my peers’ valuable work. This gathering felt truly precious!”
Nancy Wellman, Development Officer at the University, added: “Spradling’s generous sponsorship of three student prizes plays a valuable role in supporting early career development and encouraging collaboration between students and industry. Initiatives like this help students gain recognition and confidence in their work and help to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. We hope other companies will consider similar partnerships to invest in the next generation of talent.”
A spokesperson from Spradling® UK said: “We were delighted to sponsor the MORE Awards, celebrating the creativity and innovation of tomorrow's architects. It was fantastic to see how Spradling® UK’s coated fabrics were incorporated into the students’ projects and to witness their fresh perspectives.”
The exhibition directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and 13: Climate Action. 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.
To find out how to collaborate with the University and support students, contact Westminster’s Development Team.
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