Infrastructure Space continues to explore the latent potential of existing systems, asking how infrastructural architectures can be reimagined to serve both society and the environment. This year, the Atelier strengthened its transdisciplinary model, bringing together Architecture and Landscape Architecture across BA3, MArch1, MArch2, and MLA2 to address complex territorial challenges through shared methods and critical enquiry.
In 2025-2026, the atelier has been working in Cumbria, specifically the River Eden catchment and St Cuthbert's Garden Village, exploring the tensions between ecological protection, housing growth, and environmental policy. Students critically engaged with frameworks such as Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality, examining how policy can reshape land, value, and ecological futures.
A multi-method design approach underpinned the work, combining thematic data mapping, stakeholder engagement, speculative design, and iterative testing. Initial mapping spatialised ecological, social, and policy data to reveal hidden relationships and inform project briefs. These insights were tested through engagement with stakeholders, enabling students to incorporate situated knowledge and refine their positions.
Design speculation translated research into spatial proposals across scales, from territorial strategies to site-specific interventions. Projects addressed themes including regenerative landscapes, water management, rural economies, and infrastructural reuse, while engaging both human and non-human actors through systems-based and posthuman perspectives.
The resulting work demonstrates a sophisticated synthesis of research and design, offering grounded yet speculative proposals that challenge conventional development models. Collectively, these projects position infrastructural architecture as a catalyst for environmental regeneration, social equity, and futures.
We extend our sincere thanks to our staff, consultants, stakeholders, and, most importantly, our students. It has been a pleasure to work with you all.
