The Architecture Foundation in London has announced a new partnership with international practice Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners on its Urban Pioneers programme. The scheme encourages young people between the ages of 16 and 19 to critically explore their changing urban environments in areas such as Bankside, London Bridge, King’s Cross and Willesden Green, interacting with experts in the fields of architecture and engineering, filmmaking, urban planning and artistry.

Past participants in the programme have gone on to undertake higher qualifications in architecture, civil engineering and animation, with one partaker noting: “Engaging young people at the crossroad of their life with architects, engineers or even people who you never thought you would meet, is a great idea. It builds your confidence and makes the very hard decision of what to do in the future clearer.”

It is the hope of the Architecture Foundation and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners that the initiative will encourage young people to interact with their environments on a more active level and consider future careers that will have an impact on the urban fabric. Director of the Architecture Foundation, Sarah Ichioka, explains: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners on our Urban Pioneers education programme, as we both share the passionate belief that architecture enriches lives.”