The Pioneers

The five Pioneers are: Alex, Ciarra, George, Tony and Vanessa.

My name is Alex and I am an Urban Pioneer because I am interested in architecture and regeneration. The best part of the project is that we are focusing on a particular area – between Tower Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge – so each session we discover more about a particular aspect of the architecture, community or spaces in the area. I live in Dulwich but come to this part of London often, but now, even after only a few workshops, I know so much more than I did before about the area and the more I learn the more I like it, and the more grateful I am that I was born and grew up in London. I am going to study Architecture next year, although I hope to carry on improving my German and French. I love drawing, collaging, dressmaking and writing letters and I have many scrapbooks.

Listen to a short interview with Alex

I am Tony, what's up? I'm a performing arts student in Southwark. I have just finished my first year of National Diploma. My interests are acting, drawing, singing Japanese songs after I get them translated, roller blading, playing games, watching palys, helping friends, family and anyone really if they need it, holding parties at my place, baby sitting, eating out with my friends, going to manga conventions, reading manga and cooking. I think that I have got a lot out of this project because me personally, I don't get out much, everyone normally comes to me.

Listen to a short interview with Anthony

I am Ciarra, I'm a performing arts student. I've just finished my first year of the National Diploma and I'm taking a gap year because I'm moving to Italy for 9 months in September, but I'll be returning next summer to continue, and then hopefully go to drama school, which should be a lot easier to get in to as I've been accepted on the National Youth Theatre. My interests are: Filming, I get involved in loads of projects! I love acting and singing. I also write poems and go to open mic events and perform (I was born to perform). I do a lot of volunteering, last year I spent the whole summer leading drama workshops with the Escape Youth Group. I get involved in charity events and I enjoy raising money for charity.

Listen to a short interview with Ciarra

Hi, I'm George and I come from Aberdeen in Scotland. I joined the project to meet architects and designers working in central London, to visit the Olympic statium and to take part in the various activities that the Architecture Foundation's Urban Pioneers programme has to offer. As I am considering architecture/design as a potential career I have found the work we've done very interesting and informative. My interests include art and photography/photo editing, and I do a lot of swimming and play hockey. I've really enjoyed the time I've spent planting, building, illustrating and designing with Ruby and the other Pioneers.

Listen to a short interview with George

Hiya! I'm Vanessa, I'm from south-east London. I just finished college, doing A levels in maths, chemistry and physics. The hardest two years. Anyone who has done these A levels, I hope you share my pain. lol. But now I'm just enjoying summer. Well here's a bit about me. I have been volunteering for nearly a year for V Inspired in Blackfriars and SE1 area, being involved in a lot of varied projects. I love volunteering and find it so much fun as my scheme gets you involved in loads of activities and the confidence I have gained has enabled me to join such projects as the Urban Pioneers. Also in my spare time I love art, from a few sketches to a large portrait, then there's dancing and piano and who can forget Wii. lol. I mean Wii sport is the game. I'm an Urban Pioneer and involved in a project with The Architecture Foundation. The reason I got involved in this project was due to me wanting to study a course in civil engineering. So this project was really important as it was to help me get involved with aspects of life as a civil engineer and look at how London is being maintained, reconstructed and developed which is all about being a civil engineer.

Listen to a short interview with Vanessa

Vanessa is taking part in the Arts Award, see her portfolio here