Interlocking Studios by Mara Fetche is a meanwhile use architecture project for Fish Island, built around artists, workshops, exhibition space and public engagement.
The project is useful because it looks at what underused industrial sites can do before a permanent future arrives. It treats temporary occupation as a serious architectural and cultural strategy.
Project overview
The original article introduced Mara as a First Class Architecture Graduate from the University of Greenwich and a nominee for the 2020 RIBA Bronze Medal.
Her final design project, Interlocking Studios, is set within an existing site structure in Fish Island. It proposes a model where a local artist collaborates with two established artists, creating a workspace, exhibition venue and public-facing cultural hub.
How the meanwhile use strategy works
- The project reuses an industrial site rather than starting from a blank plot.
- Artists are placed at the centre of the programme.
- Workshops bring the public into the project, not just as spectators.
- Rotating exhibitions create a reason for the site to keep changing.
- The architecture supports both production and public encounter.
Why this matters for a Part I portfolio
Meanwhile use architecture is a strong student theme when the portfolio explains who uses the space, how temporary occupation is managed and what the project gives back to the local area.
Mara’s project is strongest when it connects the existing industrial structure, Fish Island’s creative culture and the artist workshop brief into one clear argument.
Tools and representation
The original profile notes that the scheme was modelled in Rhino and visualised using Illustrator, Photoshop and V-Ray. That toolset is useful evidence for a Part I candidate, but it should support the project story rather than replace it.
Showcase a student reuse project
Architecture Social can feature student work where an existing place, temporary use or community programme is explained clearly.
- Name the site and what is underused about it.
- Explain who uses the project and how the public is involved.
- Show how the design works as a system, not only as a nice image.
- Make the project legible for a practice scanning your portfolio.
Connect with Mara Fetche
Architecture Social view
Stephen’s recruiter view is that Part I projects become more employable when the reader can quickly understand the site, programme, users and drawing method. The creative idea matters, but clarity gets it noticed.
Next step
Explore more student projects, use the portfolio guide to sharpen your project story, or submit your own work.
If this project has made you rethink your own portfolio or next move, browse current architecture jobs or contact Architecture Social for a recruiter’s view.
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