Architecture: The blueprints of civilisation

Take this Subject Spotlight to...

Join Rob Nice as he looks at architecture being the the blueprint of civilisation, addressing the preconceptions and misconceptions of architecture as a subject, the nature of repurposing space, and how architects must consider the socio-political, cultural and environmental impact of their work. Rob also considers the ugly, banal and spectacular elements of architecture, and demonstrates a specialist drawing exercise that you can have a go at too!

Take Subject Spotlight

About University for the Creative Arts

University for the Creative Arts is a top specialist creative university, home to vibrant campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, and Farnham. With courses in arts, business, and technology, UCA offers state-of-the-art creative facilities, inspiring local surroundings, and the freedom to express yourself creatively amongst like-minded others. As the second largest creative specialist university in Europe, their campuses are packed full of high-tech, quality equipment for you to use around the clock. And no matter how big or bold your ideas may be, at UCA you’ll be guided to transform sparks of creativity into meaningful projects, while forging your path to a rewarding creative career along the way.

Meet the academics

Rob Nice

Rob Nice is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Design at UCA on the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design course, and is also the Stage 1 convener for both BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design and Architecture courses at UCA Canterbury. Rob Nice has been active within architectural education and the associated spatial disciplines since 1995, delivering, developing, managing programmes and working with young people, academics and a variety of other professionals. Rob joined the Canterbury School of Architecture in 2007 and is currently a Senior Lecturer, alongside leading his own practice led research stems from an ongoing fascination with the consequence(s) of architecture, the underused and unused spaces to be found in our cities and how these spaces could be appropriated in unorthodox ways. Rob describes himself as subversive, mischievous and speculative, and loves “My” hiphop, otherwise known as “My” Culture or the “Culture."

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

Sign up, log in, and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.

Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!