What is the Just Environments Incubator?

In September 2024, The Bartlett School of Architecture welcomed the Just Environments Cluster, a pioneering initiative in UK architectural higher education. As part of this initiative, the Just Environments Incubator was launched – a funding programme that supports new collaborations exploring how design and research within the built environment can advance justice, equity and sustainability.

How the incubator works

The Just Environments Incubator offers seed funding for projects that engage the principles of spatial, climate and epistemic justice through research, making, dialogue and community engagement. The Incubator invites proposals from students, academic staff, professional services staff and student–staff collaborations across The Bartlett School of Architecture, with the aim of catalysing future work both within and beyond the school.

Successful applicants receive seed funding to develop projects over the course of the academic year, working towards a final deliverable such as an installation, exhibition, book, zine, artefact, community co-design or event. Projects are supported through regular benchmarks and mentorship from the Incubator Board, ensuring that outcomes are both rigorous and impactful.

Applications for 2025/26 Incubator Funding will open in Term 1.  

Governance and oversight

The Incubator Board includes representatives from across the school’s leadership, ensuring alignment with its shared governance model. The board reviews submissions and makes recommendations to the School Director, Amy Kulper, for final approval. 

  • Co-Director of Spatial Justice: Thomas Aquilina
  • Director of Design Education: Matthew Butcher
  • Director of Design Research: Marjan Colletti
  • Director of Climate Justice: Janine Francois
  • Co-Director of Design: Lidia Gasperoni
  • Co-Director of Ethics: Mohamad Hafeda
  • Incubator Budget Manager: Yana Kitova
  • Co-Director of Design: Yeoryia Manolopoulou
  • Co-Director of Spatial Justice: Mpho Matsipa
  • Director of Research: Peg Rawes
  • Director of Decolonising and Decarbonising: Neba Sere

2024–25

In its inaugural round of funding, the Incubator supported 13 staff and student projects, spanning themes such as decolonial spatial practices, climate adaptation, collective care and inclusive design education. These initiatives brought together architects, designers, educators, artists and community partners working locally and globally to reimagine just environments in practice.