Skill Up: Buildings in Disguise - In person workshop

Skill Up: Buildings in Disguise

Tuesday 29th October 2024, 11am to 4pm

Ever wanted to design your own Transformer house or create a bold, social media-worthy space that’s totally unique? Join us for this creative architecture workshop where you will explore the incredible world of Cholets- colourful, one-of-a-kind mansions inspired by the cultures of Bolivia’s Aymara and Quechua people. These buildings are like nothing you have ever seen before, blending vibrant colours, striking designs, and deep cultural symbolism.

We will learn about Freddy Mamani, the Aymara designer famous for creating eye-catching masterpieces, called ‘Cholets’. Join architect Kathleen Lucas, fresh from her travels in Latin America to design your own multi-use building. We will work on combining your favourite symbols and icons to bring your dream space to life, in the form of a home, venue and kiosk inspired by the traditional Cholets of El Alto, the highest city in the world. Whether you’re into architecture or just love cool design, this is your chance to create something bright, unique and amazing!

This creative architecture workshop is led by architect and educator Kathleen Lucas, for young people aged 15 to 18 years.

Kathleen Lucas is an Architect with over a decade of experience, working on a variety of projects from large corporate buildings to unique, custom homes. She has contributed to award-winning firms like Alma-Nac Architects and West Port Architects, with a focus on residential properties and cultural projects. Her work includes Project Architect roles in exhibitions at prestigious museums, such as the "Africa Fashion" exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Recently, Kathleen spent time traveling through Latin America, where she explored the rich blend of colonial and indigenous architecture gaining fresh insights into the evolving urban landscapes of the region, known for its unique fusion of tradition, history, and innovation. Upon returning to the UK, she has transitioned into a freelance role, balancing her architectural practice with a new passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of architects.

About the Workshop Series

Our workshops for ages 15 to 18 ‘skill up’ teenagers who are thinking about studying architecture or design. Participants think critically, share their views on architecture and express themselves through creative practice. In past workshops participants have learnt how to work to an architectural brief, improve portfolios, develop architectural drawing skills using a variety of media (including digital drawing on iPads) and photography skills, and work individually and collaboratively to think about how to design sustainable and responsible architecture.

Based in London, mainly our HQ at 66 Portland Place, all participants must arrive by 11am. These workshops are led by professional educators and all materials are included in the ticket price, but lunch is not provided.

If you're under 18, tickets must be booked by a parent or guardian. Online booking in advance is essential and if we do not receive full registration information in advance of the event we cannot allow the participant to attend.

To see other learning workshops taking place in this series, see our young people page.

Terms and Conditions

• Tickets for participants under the age of 18 must be booked by a parent or guardian and advance online registration is essential. Bookings made on behalf of someone else still require advance online registration and it is your responsibility to share the registration form with that person. If we do not receive full registration information in advance of the event we cannot allow the participant to attend.
• We can offer a full refund up to 30 days in advance of the event start date. Thereafter, we cannot offer a refund or transfer. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected].
• We reserve the right to alter the advertised content of events.
• In the unlikely event we need to cancel we will contact all ticket holders as soon as possible to rearrange or offer a full refund. We cannot reimburse or compensate for travel or other associated costs.
• On entry to the event participants agree to behave in an appropriate manner; the RIBA reserves the right to remove participants who behave inappropriately from events and request their immediate collection by parents/guardians.
• The details you provide will be used in accordance with the RIBA's GDPR obligations. For information on how we will handle your personal data please see our Privacy Policy at www.architecture.com.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, London, United Kingdom