Are you a person of colour interested in writing about architecture?
New Architecture Writers (N.A.W.) is a free programme for emerging* critics offering a small group the opportunity to participate in a series of talks, workshops, tours, writing briefs and other activities, all led by acclaimed editors, architects, journalists, curators and broadcasters. Started in 2017, N.A.W. has since become a platform for new writing about architecture and cities. N.A.W. is directed by Thomas Aquilina and Tom Wilkinson with support from the Architecture Foundation and the Architectural Review.
What some of our past members have said about the programme:
- “The N.A.W. programme has been far more influential, ambitious, demanding, exhausting and exciting than I could have anticipated.” – Nyima Murray, Cohort 03 (2021)
- “One of the most fulfilling things you can do. A space to grow with like-minded people. These spaces are becoming increasingly rare.” – Alistair Napier, Cohort 04 (2022)
- “The programme will ask you to write consistently and in new ways and will inject you into a pocket of people who want to help and support you! That is very special. In return, you are simply asked to show up and participate actively.” – Oluwatobiloba Ajayi, Cohort 05 (2023)
What some of our supporters have said:
- “The emphasis on ‘new’ in New Architecture Writers refers not only to who these writers are, but what they see, what they say, how they say it, how it is received, and who will come after them.” – Lesley Lokko, Director, African Futures Institute, Founding advisory board member, New Architecture Writers
- “There is no other programme that has had such depth of influence on the industry.” – Caz Facey, Director, ING Media
Programme
The programme follows a fortnightly rhythm of evening workshops, talks and reading sessions, beginning in February, and running until December. Applicants must be able to commit to meeting in person on Wednesday evenings at 7pm every fortnight. In addition, applicants have to complete written briefs, which will be set approximately every six weeks throughout the programme, and contribute to up to two live events. The latter will involve public speaking.
Key dates
We aim to adhere to these dates as much as possible, but all are subject to change.
- 12 Feb 2025 – Introduction Workshop
- 16 July 2025 – Summer Live Event
- 13 Nov 2025 – Winter Live Event
- 10 Dec 2025 – Final submission
If you’d like to hear more about the programme before applying, please send any questions to admin@newarchitecturewriters.org or join our next in-person event Spatial Fictions on Thursday 12 December where both co-directors and alumni will be in attendance.
How to apply
To apply, send a short CV and an original piece of writing using the online application form linked below. The deadline for applications is 18:00 GMT on Wednesday 08 January 2025.
After the deadline the applications will be long-listed by N.A.W., then shortlisted with the help of two external moderators.
Brief
Your brief is to write a short article on a contemporary issue for an architectural audience. This piece should tell a story, whether political, social, economic, or environmental, in a way that informs and engages the reader. You should identify a specific subject with relevance to architecture and draw out stimulating conclusions. Your word count is just 500 words, so succinctness is key.
Please consider this guidance while writing your submission:
- Focus. Find a single story, make a coherent argument without digression.
- This is not a personal statement
- Write for a wide audience. Engage your reader with an arresting opening.
- Avoid using jargon from academia and architectural practice. References are unnecessary.
- Don’t recycle something you have used elsewhere. Don’t excerpt from or condense a longer text; this is partly an exercise in writing to word-count. Let this be an opportunity to write something new.
- Don’t use AI to write your submission. It is easy to detect and it’s a waste of everyone’s time: this is a writing programme.
- It’s great to address big issues but you should choose a specific and concrete example through which to discuss them. It is impossible to cover the entire problem of sustainability, or racism in practice, in a 500-word piece.
- By all means tackle topical matters, but bear in mind that we will receive many other pieces on the same subjects. What do you have to add to this discussion that’s new?
Assessment Criteria
We assess written submissions according to the following criteria:
1. Ideas: Is the piece telling us something interesting, exciting, and new? Are the ideas it conveys important and timely? Is it focused on a specific case study or example rather than trying to cover an entire topic in 500 words?
2. Argument: Is the piece well structured? Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does the argument flow logically? Does it persuade the reader?
3. Expression: Is the writing sophisticated and engaging? Does it require proofreading? Is it written for a wide audience, without jargon?
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- People of colour.
- *Aged 30 or under, or be within five years of receiving your most recent educational qualification.
- Resident in London, i.e. your home address be within the M25.
- Able to commit to meeting in person roughly one evening per fortnight. In addition, applicants have to complete written briefs, which will be set approximately every six weeks throughout the programme, and contribute to up to two live events. The latter will involve public speaking.
New Architecture Writers is made possible thanks to the support of key practices and individuals who believe in the importance of equality and diversity in the built environment.
African Futures Institute, AHMM, Graham Foundation, Heatherwick Studio, ING Media, Jencks Foundation, Karakusevic Carson Architects, Marchus Trust, re:arc institute and We Made That