NAS x NUAS architecture design competition 2026

The NAS x NUAS design competition saw architecture students from both Newcastle University and Northumbria University respond to a design brief which focused on the metro line stations. 46 students took part across 16 teams in the one day event. 

The teams were allocated with a clear brief which asked them to, "improve Metro Stations across Zone A (except Haymarket, St James, Monument, and Central Station). Propose an architectural intervention design that enhances the transitional experience which responds to the users, inclusivity, sustainability, and local context."

The brief was released at 7am and teams had until the 3.30pm deadline to pin up their A1 presentation board which included; a short written statement explaining the design and its intents; 2-3 visualisations that illustrate key experiential moments; plans, sections and elevations at appropriate scales; and process drawings or concept sketches. Teams were also encouagred to create concept models to show context and scale. 

Teams focused on a wide variety of metro stations including Manors and Gateshead Stadium. The winning team (Lucia O'Malley, Aura Sprong, Jess Watling, Elizabeth Morgan) consisted of Newcastle students who linked their proposal to the upcoming Glacier Games, creating a journey from the metro station to the stadium itself.

Third place also went to a Newcastle team (Harriet Madath, Alicia Roberton, Lauren McIndoe, Saffron Chapman) who created a scheme which aimed to regenerate Manors through different phases (short, medium, and long term interventions).