Blueprint for All are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the global, award winning architectural design practice Populous as part of our long-standing Programme: Building Futures in the Built Environment.
Working with communities of all sizes and across a range of disciplines, Populous specialises in the design of stadiums, arenas, large-scale venues and live events. With more than 1,000 staff and offices on four continents, the firm’s portfolio includes the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley Stadium, EmiratesStadium, the O2 and the Super Bowl.
For many, the cost of starting an architecture course, never mind completing Part 2, is prohibitive. Many young talents are deterred before they even start, and the dropout rate amongst students of diverse ethnic heritage is disproportionately high. We therefore will focus on supporting diverse and under-represented young people in the Built Environment and Design industries with the help of the bursaries funded by Populous.
Bursaries can be used to support vital expenses such as travel, trips, equipment, software, laptops, printing, accommodation and the general cost of living. The money that recipients receive from these awards can often be lifechanging, the deciding factor in whether a student can complete their studies or not.
Alongside awarding bursaries and volunteering their industry expertise, Populous will support students through 1:1 mentoring, offering advice and guidance as they navigate their higher educational journey. With the support of their mentor, participants can expand their skills and strengthen their job applications through a range of areas:
- Adapting to an online world
- Interview techniques
- CV & Portfolio building
- Q&A on the future of architecture
- Employability skills
- Software tutorials (CAD/BIM etc.)
- Drawing/representation skills
- Presentation practice