In a great day of learning and collaboration, Associated Architects joined forces with the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre (SLRC), De Montfort University (DMU), and Arup for the DMU Hopeful Futures 2024 initiative.

Associated Architects have been appointed to a 10-year development masterplan for DMU’s campus, and this event gave the opportunity to support the community and engage with the potential students of tomorrow. The day was led by an Associated Architects team, including Pavinder Barracks-Sahota, who studied at DMU 11 years ago, Kyle Conway, Beth Astington, and Associate Alex Rudge, with Steve Wilson representing Arup.

The programme consisted of a dynamic workshop for 45 local schoolchildren, aged 11-18, which included a campus tour by DMU’s Architecture department and a hands-on session where students designed their vision of a future campus. This initiative not only served as a stakeholder engagement exercise with future students but also honoured the legacy of Stephen Lawrence by fostering discussions on race, social justice, and the built environment.

The event, part of the SLRC’s Hopeful Futures 2024 programme, aimed to inspire young minds from Sir Jonathan North College, Winstanley School, and Countesthorpe Academy to reflect on their potential and the importance of social inclusion in shaping the world around them. The SLRC continues to drive meaningful conversations and commemorate Stephen Lawrence’s memory through research and events, contributing to a more inclusive and just future.

Pavinder Barracks-Sahota said: “It’s always great to be back at DMU especially for events like this. We’re working with the next generation of students to inhabit this campus, and this can help understand what their needs and values are. Sometimes, being embedded in a process, and it can be hard to take a wider view, but it will be good to see if some of their ideas work in our 10-year plan.”