This publication is part of the Empowering Environments update by the Thornton Education Trust (TET). The work is a four years exploration of the Inspire Future Generations (IFG) Awards, from 2021 until 2024. It sheds light on innovative practices and inspiring achievements of organisations, individuals, developers and local authorities, committed to empowering the younger generations in shaping their built environment.

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Publication launch - 26th March 2025

“Mentoring has made me look way back. I recall memories today, to recognise the forks in the road for others. I recognise the support I had and also my times of uncertainty and it is those lessons that we can all use to guide those who follow in our footsteps. It has been my aim to empower young people by connecting their passions for drawing, creativity and making, with a path in architecture and design.” - Narinder Singh Sagoo, Senior Partner Foster + Partners on the social impact of mentoring children and young people.

Read full post commissioned by TET. here

For recent TET Newsletters incorporating articles, what’s on and opportunities so available click here

The Empowering Environments Report by the Thornton Education Trust (TET) is a groundbreaking exploration of the Inspire Future Generations (IFG) Awards from 2021 and 2022. This report is an invaluable resource that sheds light on the innovative practices and inspiring achievements of organisations and individuals committed to empowering the younger generation in shaping their built environment. It not only recognises outstanding contributions but also offers valuable insights into best practices that can guide future endeavours.

October 2023

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Which UK Schools of Architecture engage with children and young people, and what form does engagement take?

To ensure that young people’s voices are heard, it is essential to create opportunities for them to engage in the design process.

Equally, university schools of architecture and the built environment are uniquely placed to teach future built environment professionals the techniques and values of engaging with young people. These spaces for research hold the potential to develop methods and understanding of engaging with community groups to better shape our shared built environment.

The aim of this research compiled by Thornton Education Trust (TET) is to find out which UK schools of architecture and the built environment currently offer outreach programmes to children and young people, secondly, which identities are involved in the organisation, design and delivery of engagement, and thirdly, exploring the forms of engagement that this may take, highlighting best practices that can be shared across universities and the wider industry.

Download full report here