Built environment

Collaborating on a research project with industry

Arup, Cinthia Espino

As part of my MSc I worked on a research study in collaboration with Arup, looking at the interoperability between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Energy Modelling (BEM). My research was based on a real building provided by ARUP, where the energy use had been metered for 6 years.

An output of the research was a method to bridge the gap between building design and operation. To do this I developed a time-efficient way of modelling energy usage, which is more truthful to the design, and so leads to more accurate results of a building’s performance. Ultimately, this area of research should help us design and build more energy efficient buildings. Working with a real project and handling real metered data from a big consultancy company like ARUP, enabled me to have a broader picture closer to the reality of how the industry works.

My programme director and dissertation supervisor were a great source of support. This experience helped me to get a position as a Sustainability Consultant with HTA Design LLP.

At UCL, I really enjoyed the free access to a number of libraries, including Senate House. I was also able to attend several public conferences. London is a great resource and I’d recommend that all students get out there and learn from the city itself.

Founding a start-up in Soho

artFix, George Neris

During my studies I got involved with the UCL Innovation and Enterprise Business Mentoring Program and won an award for the Best Social Enterprise. This experience helped me access networking opportunities within the arts sector.

From this I founded artFix, a start-up with a store in Soho, which seeks to bring quick fixes of art into daily routines and to encourage more people to engage with the arts on a regular basis. Visitors can also get involved in arts classes and educational workshops. We run “Art Battles” where two artists from any discipline have half an hour to create their art works in front of an audience.

My advice to UCL students would be to dare to have the courage of their desires.

Interning with a management consultancy firm

Invennt, Sree Vinayak Murukadas

I have been able to combine my studies with an internship with Invennt, a management consultancy. The internship has provided me with an understanding of the construction and real estate market in London. I got the opportunity to meet industry leaders and my professional network at the workplace enabled me to undertake specific case-studies as part of my coursework at UCL.

During my degree I also had the opportunity to work with the NSPCC and TCS as part of their strategy implementation programme. A diverse group of UCL volunteers, from different parts of the world and pursuing different degrees, came together to find a solution for the NSPCC's long-term strategy of reaching every child in the country. The ability to mingle with a global cohort was the best experience at UCL. Having made strong friendships has definitely increased my confidence.

Attending industry networking events

BDP, Alexandra Deahl

London is such a diverse city with ample opportunity to make connections with people in built environment industries. I have attended multiple events and lectures held all across the city. My department, Light and Lighting, organised a networking event through the International Association of Lighting Designers and the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers and it all took place at BDP’s headquarters in London.

London is such a good place for networking. Make sure you take advantage of the events and lectures your institution has to offer that fall outside of your department. It will make you a well-rounded individual!

Putting new skills into practice with a practical module

Citizens UK, Mya Goschalk

The degree I’m on features a 'practical module', which allows students to work collaboratively with organisations outside of UCL. This puts into practice the skills, and participatory techniques that we have been learning about.

All of this took place in a community centre near Euston, providing a unique opportunity to study as part of the degree but also be involved in the local community. In the first term, the practical module involved an eye-opening and interesting collaboration with Citizens UK and a homeless shelter called 'Shelter from the Storm'.

We used participatory photography techniques with the homeless people to contribute to Citizens UK's existing housing campaign. We saw the fruits of our labour be put to wonderful use, when we had an exhibition space at the Mayoral Assembly in April 2016!

In the second term we had another collaboration, but this time in Brazil. We worked with the federal university in Salvador, as well as a local community by the coast in Salvador. Together we came up with strategies and research outputs that would help the community advance their rights. It was both incredibly interesting and motivating.