Architecture

Benedicte Foo is particularly interested in the practice of Architecture and in the teaching of Design.  Benedicte read for both the degree and the diploma in architecture at Cambridge. She returned to Cambridge in 1996, and has a MSt in Interdisciplinary Design in the Built Environment.

She has a wide experience of architectural practice, ranging from local government (she designed the GLC Women’s Committee building), co-operatives (with Matrix Feminist Design Co-op), working with sole practitioners such as David Lea (another Cambridge graduate well known for his concerns for an ecological approach to building), and running her own practice.

She has a broad experience of architectural teaching, ranging from lecturing on construction at Cambridge, through running studio teaching at the former North London Polytechnic, teaching drawing and construction to women returning to study, running short courses for community groups considering commissioning a building and working with school children. She was Architect in Residence at Hills Road Sixth Form College. She has served on the ARB Assessment Panel and also on Visiting Boards of the RIBA.

After returning to Cambridge she established the new Part 3 course in Professional Practice at the University, and has taught and examines on the IDBE course. She has also been an external examiner at the Bartlett, Cardiff and De Montfort Schools of Architecture and at Greenwich, Kingston and Bath Universities.

I am a New Zealander who graduated from the University of Auckland with a joint BA/BSc, prior to my arrival in Cambridge. Lucy Cavendish has a very friendly environment. Home is very far away and I am lucky that the College such a great place to stay during Easter and Christmas vacations. I love the gardens; it's wonderful to be able to go outside to read or have a picnic. The food on-site is great (especially the desserts!) and the cooking facilities are essential for freezing meals to take to studio during busy weeks. I like that Architecture is one of the more unconventional subjects because of its hands-on creativity. The course is intensive but there is continuous constructive feedback and help. The Architecture undergrads are a very tight-knit group who make all the hard work enjoyable and memorable.

I grew up in Bangkok and completed secondary education there before winning a Thai government scholarship to do A-levels and an undergraduate degree in the UK. From my first year, I enjoyed the very supportive environment in the college. The college staff were very kind and helpful. Having college friends from a wide range of ages and backgrounds also opened my eyes to new perspectives on life. On my course, I particularly like the close attention given by the design tutors and supervisors. I also enjoy the way the theoretical part of architecture is given a lot of importance, which is one of the unique features of the Cambridge course. I received an award from the college which allowed me to support the costs of architectural equipment purchases. And, all of my friends said the formal hall at Lucy Cavendish is one of the best in Cambridge.