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Amar Sall

Profession
BA Architecture Alum
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Alumni
Amar Sall

Biography

Amar Sall was born and raised in Birmingham, UK (West Midlands). He uses the vessel of film to communicate his design ideas through its use as inspiration and actual practice as a filmmaker. He studied BA (Hons) Architecture at Central Saint Martins (CSM).

Interview

Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself? 

My name is Amar Sall and I was born and raised in Birmingham, UK (West Midlands) where I received my Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at College, on a course that was approved by UAL. During my foundation year I specialised in 3D design and discovered a passion for Spatial Design which led me to Architecture and subsequently, Central Saint Martins. Outside of Spatial Design, my other love is Film and the relationship it has with Architecture through Production & Set Design. Throughout all my work, academically and professionally, I use the vessel of film to communicate my design ideas through its use as inspiration and actual practice as a filmmaker. Emerging as a graduate from Central Saint Martins has allowed me to remain open and develop myself as a creative practitioner thanks to the support, I have received during my time studying in an arts school.

Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Architecture at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?

As a student developing a keen eye for spatial design, Central Saint Martins strengthened my appetite through its place as a well renowned Art School but also through its incredible extensive campus building at Granary Square and welcoming community within. The course itself was on the rise with steadily increasing success (amongst other similar courses in London) and its situation within the central heart of London was appealing as someone who was looking to move away from home. After meeting members of staff during the interview day and reviewing my portfolio, I felt trusting that my skills would have the opportunity to be able to develop and flourish ten-fold with an outlook presented to me during my first interactions with course members and their work.

What have you been working on since graduating? 

I am currently studying Film and Philosophy (part-time) at master’s level and after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2018 in Architecture I have received a breadth of professional experience in the creative and design industries working with architectural practices, galleries, and museums. I recently worked for the in-house Design Team for the Victoria and Albert Museum assisting with coordination duties and design support collaborating within tight deadlines to deliver exhibition builds. I continue to support Central Saint Martins as an associate lecturer, coordinating term time teaching and the production of the end of year showcases with a focus on asset production (physical build construction, printed content & co-ordinating cohorts of up to 150 students at a time). I have also been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Central Saint Martins on the BBC4 Documentary ‘Bauhaus Rules’ – a design challenge documentary celebrating 100 years of the Bauhaus School of Design. Lately, I have had the opportunity to work with Sam Jacob Studio and the in-house team at Somerset House on the recently successful, 'The Horror Show!' curated by filmmakers Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth.

What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course? 

During my time on the course, I was fortunate to work on several amazing projects both as an individual but also as a collaborative team. I had amazing opportunities and projects working with the cycle company Rapha on designing furniture for a race event and taking part in a competition with LVMH on designing an installation for their 25th anniversary (which my team were runners up!). The one project that stands out is my final project that I undertook during my final 3rd year of study on the BA – Marina Ville. As part of the course Design Studio Unit, I worked on a project that tackled community engagement and sustainable practice on a real-life site, Canvey Island, Essex. Through this project I was supported by my tutors and fellow students in developing new methods of sustainable construction for maintaining local traditions and paving the way for new generations within the area. The project was critically received and was nominated for several awards including the RIBA Presidents Medal and was a winning recipient of the Green Trail Sustainability award from LVMH.

Read the Story about the project: Take Five: Amar Sall

What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?

For those looking to come here to study on the (BA) Architecture, my main piece of advice is to not consider ‘architecture’ as a subject purely devoted to ‘buildings’, at CSM, we consider Spatial Practice as our manifesto, and how we look and address the spaces we live, work, and exist in. Think of where you are right now as you read this, what space are you in? How are you navigating within it? On the course, we look at spaces, textually and visually with an emphasis on practical outcomes and first-hand research – engaging with our communities directly. The course welcomes all forms of creativity as outcomes to your work from sculpture to drawing to models to film to sound – there is no constraint as to how you, as an inquisitive student, can tackle your projects from multiple angles.

What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?

One of my major takeaways from my CSM experience was spending time within the university community. Just existing in the building, its spaces and amongst fellow students and supportive staff provides a natural osmosis of creativity between everyone and everything. CSM nurtures innovative thinking, and whilst mostly self-directed, culminates in a tremendously rewarding and encompassing experience (which is why I have still stuck around!). Meeting fellow students in similar positions as you – moved away from home, on demanding yet rewarding courses – places you in a unique position that really culminates in a once in a lifetime experience.

What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?

Aside from learning traditional skills to support my position as an architectural designer such as software, making and speaking skills, the most important thing I learnt was how to position myself as a practitioner so I could support myself post-graduation. Through the course and the support of staff and tutors, I had the fortunate position of being a student from CSM, a place that is centred throughout the design industry, all of which allowed me to form relationships and create contacts so that as an acting professional I had the ability to support myself. The course provides a unit on Ethical and Professional Practice that help formulate yourself and your stance as a practitioner alongside the enjoyable design studio and contextual studies units you will be undertaking. CSM as an institution supports all impassioned artists – the more you put into it (and yourself), the more you will get out of it (and yourself).

Links

Check Amar’s profile
Follow Amar’s Instagram
Explore Amar’s proejct Marina-Ville
View the BA (Hons) Architecture course page

Central Saint Martins

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7444

Address

1 Granary Square
King's Cross
London
N1C 4AA