Once again, the architectural students at Central St Martins show their talent and imaginative ideas in the Degree Show which opened today.  Attention is focussed on real life issues – how to provide affordable housing and strengthen the environment and social cohesion in Camden, Thamesmead, Croydon, Hackney Wick and the seaside town of Margate in a well-designed exhibition, sponsored by Woods Bagot Architects.  Gone are the days of just pinning drawings up on the wall – the 21st century degree show is a serious professional display.

A myriad of development opportunities have been identified and designs proposed which conserve existing areas and support creative arts, music and crafts industries, so important to the future of London and local communities but being squeezed out by high property prices.  Houses that can expand, houses that can be short term, houses for the homeless, properties that can be offices during the day and homes at night, homes that provide mutual support for the elderly and the young – these are just a few of the many brilliant ideas which are on show and are highly achievable with imaginative political and financial support.

On July 12^th, the degree shows will have gone, but the Higher Education Design Quality Forum will be here, considering the future design of buildings for higher education, including a panel discussion with students who, based on the work on show this week will have great ideas about the future of their universities.