A South Thames College Art & Design learner and his placement hosts have demonstrated a pro-active approach to working, by effectively moving the Architecture placement to be completed totally online.
Souleymane Avice is a Level 3 year 2 Art & Design learner, completing an Industrial Placement with major Construction firm John Sisk and Sons. Working on their Peabody Estate (Phase 2) project, Souleymane assists the Project Managers and Coordinators with the various planning and design elements of the project.
Prior to the Lockdown, Souleymane's placement took place in John Sisk's offices located in Clapham Junction, but since the start of this year, he has been working from home, communicating with his supervisors through emails and online meetings. Souleymane's targets whilst on this placement include learning how to use industry standard systems and improve his drawing and planning skills.
Sarah Wright, Community Liaison Officer at John Sisk & Son, commented: “Souleymane has been learning all about the design journey from concept through to construction, developing and growing his understanding of architecture, creative thinking and construction. He has been motivated and encouraged to explore his interest in architecture and develop his skills in spatial modelling and understanding the character of buildings and landscapes. He has met various members of the Sisk Management team to learn about all the different roles that go into construction. In addition to meeting the team and learning more about construction and the day-to-day operations that build the buildings we inhabit. Souleymane has been given a challenge to design a house for the community. The journey began by studying the site and the people that live in the area. Followed by a study of a range of residential buildings both overseas and close to home. He has been encouraged to understand the buildings personality, character and the story behind its design. He is now working towards designing his own project, focusing on design intent that is represented in a series of single images.
Souleymane has been a great learner to mentor and support during his Industrial Placement. He has a keen eye for detail and is clearly very passionate in his pursuit of studying architecture at University. Not only has he progressed in sketching and researching design, he has established his CV and other professional development tasks.”
Henry Yanney, South Thames College Employability Coordinator, who helped to organise the placement, added: “We are really pleased to hear that Souleymane is making such great progress in his placement, and are really thankful to Sarah and all of her colleagues who have been so supportive, and adaptable in moving the placement online so quickly. We really enjoy the partnership with the team at John Sisk & Son, and look forward to it developing further moving forward.”
