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Torben Lillegraven

Profession
BA Architecture student
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Student
Torben Lillegraven

Biography

Torben Lillegraven is from Stavanger, Norway, and is a third year BA (Hons) Architecture student studying at Central Saint Martins.

Interview

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

One of the main reasons why I chose to study at Central Saint Martins was the course's supercritical, open-minded approach to spatial design. I find the way we learn here to be a fantastic balance between creative practice and architecture that is meant to respond to real conditions, issues, and potentials that we encounter in urban clusters. I knew that the course provides students with a wide array of distinctive briefs every year and the tutors encourage each student individually to push their interests and discipline.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?

The most interesting project I have worked on so far must be my final year project, which I am currently still working on. I can already say that it has been the most intense, but also rewarding project and experience. Over the three years of the course, I’ve learnt that having a difficult time with a certain task or academic endeavour can bear the biggest fruits in the long term. My project this year is sited in Hackney Wick & Fish Island and is tackling the ever-rising displacement of artists in London. What made it so interesting was the involvement our studio had with real people dealing with real struggles, but also learning about the undeniable beauty of a still strong community and civic pride. Trying to design a purposeful architectural intervention in what once was the densest artists cluster in Europe, without contributing to the post-Olympic gentrification the area experiences today, was a massive enjoyable challenge.

Have you completed any industry projects whilst being on the course? 

I got to enjoy completing a project in Logroño, Spain, during my second year with other students on the course. Two of the most engaging tutors teaching on our course, Pati Santos and Gonzalo Herrero Delicado organised an open call amongst the students for an architectural pavilion that we then designed for the 8th edition of the Concentrico Festival. The focus of the design was physical, social, and mental well-being in domestic spaces. The installation opened questions about what these paces in a contemporary urban context mean and how they are experienced. Especially after the last decades of globalisation and a global pandemic. After several design workshops during the academic year, the team together with the tutors went to Logroño during the summer to build the installation and take part in the festival. The end result became a great success, and the experience became one of the biggest of my life.

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

Come in with a healthy and strong work ethic. Yes, this course is very stimulating, but it is even more intense. A healthy routine and work rhythm is definitely a must and tutors do not encourage you to work inhumane hours. Secondly, make sure to really engage with the course, the teachers, the students, and everything else outside and inside of uni that an architecture student in London can experience. That goes especially for the first two years. During term time it is very hard to give yourself a break, but it is crucial in order to stay healthy and really enjoy student life while it's there. Lastly, make sure to build up great relationships with the teachers and staff, something that is really easy at CSM. The course is very non-hierarchal, and students are treated more like colleagues, something that provides platforms for friendship and precious relationships between students and professionals. This is by far the best part of the course.

What has been the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?

As mentioned earlier, the highlight of going to CSM was definitely the Logroño project last year. Another great one, was being able to model for Brais Albor, who is an alumnus of the MA Fashion: Menswear course, it was an amazing experience and ended in an entry in Vogue!

What are your career aspirations?

Ideally, after a year of working in the industry and two years of master's, I would love to see myself in a small to medium-large practice, doing meaningful, sustainable, and beautiful projects. I also want to deepen my knowledge in one of my other interests: graphic design.

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

I think the most important thing that I have learned during the course so far must be decision-making. Studying a course in architecture is all about making a lot of fast and informed decisions, as the projects can be intense. I can be tough at time but definitely helps in other aspects of life!

Links

View more of Torben's work on his Instagram

View the BA Architecture course page

Central Saint Martins

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7444

Address

1 Granary Square
King's Cross
London
N1C 4AA