"The research operates at the tension between the rigor of geometry and the softness of experience. Geometry insists while experience interferes—the most interesting work lives in the friction between the two."
academic DESIGN research and teaching focused ON systematic methodologies, PROTOTYPICAL MODELING, hybrid materiality, and controlled performance.
Arya co-leads Unit 18 at the Architectural Association School of Architecture, with viviana muscettola and nhan vo since 2020, which focuses on evolution and the balance between permanence and adaptability. Buildings not only house but also shape and influence cultural practices and production. They can serve as platforms for contemporary cultural expressions and venues for evolving societal norms. Conversely, they can also hinder the emergence of new practices, the flourishing of innovative ideas, and the diversity of practitioners and audiences.
At its core, Unit 18 is driven by the belief that architecture can play a transformative role in shaping cultural and social landscapes. The studio challenges the mono-functionality of conventional building typologies, advocating for hybrid programs that integrate diverse uses and encourage dynamic interactions. By prioritizing reuse and adaptation over demolition and redevelopment, the unit proposes strategies that extend the life of buildings and reconnect them to their urban fabric. Whether addressing the housing crisis through densification or transforming office towers into spaces of cohabitation and collective intelligence, Unit 18’s work reflects a deep commitment to architecture as a tool for addressing the complexities of contemporary life while promoting social, cultural, and environmental sustainability.
Unit 18 at the Architectural Association explores the dynamic interplay between the old and the new, examining how architecture can negotiate between preservation and transformation. The studio is rooted in a critical understanding of contemporary challenges, such as the decline of urban centers, the housing crisis, and the evolving role of cultural institutions. It seeks to address these issues by reimagining existing structures and proposing adaptive architectural strategies that respond to societal needs while fostering innovation and sustainability. By focusing on hybrid systems and the reuse of existing buildings, the unit emphasizes the potential of architecture to create meaningful connections between heritage and modernity.
The studio employs a rigorous and experimental design methodology that bridges research and practice. Students analyze built and unbuilt projects, delving into their structural, programmatic, and cultural contexts to identify opportunities for transformation. Through physical prototyping and advanced digital modeling, they develop interventions that operate at multiple scales and materialities. Techniques such as layering, nesting, blending, and fracturing are used to explore new spatial and compositional possibilities. These methods are applied to diverse sites, from London’s train stations and office towers to cultural institutions like the Royal Academy of Arts and Somerset House, enabling the creation of designs that are both responsive and visionary.
