Students from The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at UCL had the chance to step into the shoes of a built environment consultant with the 'Building a Better Future Consultancy' project, where students were assembled into teams and given an exciting real-world industry brief set by a host organisation. The briefs spanned across crucial issues the built environment currently faces, ranging from scoping out South London’s net zero future neighbourhoods to AtkinsRéalis’s delivering a capital investment programme for a power station. At the end, the student teams presented their proposed solutions to mock clients and a panel of judges.
The scenario-based learning opportunity enabled students to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of like-minded individuals and develop highly sought-after soft skills. As part of the project, students attended a mandatory virtual training workshop and introduction to their host organisations as well as a visit to the project host offices/sites which included a south London council, Hoare Lea, Gensler, C40 Cities and AtkinsRéalis.
Out of 91 applications, 37 students were shortlisted across the Bartlett, with final presentations before a panel made of UCL academics alongside industry stakeholders from the project host organisations.
Professor Iain Borden, Vice-Dean Education at The Bartlett and panel member at the Final Presentation Showcase said: “How wonderful to see students from different levels of study and disciplines across The Bartlett working together. Applying analysis and innovation in equal measure, they have been tackling some really challenging issues of community, sustainability governance and urban design. Impressive and inspiring stuff!”
When asked about the most valuable aspect of the consultancy project, here's what a few students shared:
The multidisciplinary action and ideas in the team. – MSc Environment and Sustainable Development student
The consultancy project with AtkinsRéalis was an incredibly valuable experience. Working on a real-life project provided me with practical insights and challenges. The tight deadline for producing the client report closely mirrored the real-world pressures of consulting, pushing me out of my comfort zone. The experience allowed me to integrate various topics from my coursework, while also encouraging me to explore and discover new concepts on my own.” – MSc Construction, Economics and Management student
The chance to engage on a real-life project alongside a diverse team of individuals. – MSc Social Development Practice student
This employability initiative was organised by UCL Careers in collaboration with The Bartlett faculty.
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