As the storm continues to cast debris all around us, it is important to reflect on architecture, its complicity in contributing to the mess of our world, and the urgency of practising otherwise. This cohorts' work conjures hope, courage and strength, contending with industries and forms of production that now prove archaic and complacent. This time last year it was impossible to conceive of still finding ourselves separated a year on, or imagine the year we’ve all endured. Spaced apart, but drawn together.

Held in the frames of our screens, we’ve lamented the absence of colleagues, the closeness of sitting, working, speaking and laughing together. Meeting over digital platforms, all means of compensatory communication, occasionally glitching, but always trying to fashion proximity, practice care, to be, and be together.

Together, 149 students and over 70 dedicated staff have created a community strong enough to carry the students through to a wonderful, rich and expansive body of work. Their capacity and creativity is nothing short of incredible.

Many of us have never met in person, but we know each other personally. Our work together and individually envisages new architectural possibilities – looking through the lens of a plant, landscape, stolen colonial artefact, womxn’s football field, a mind experiencing dementia. Out of these efforts have come a series of projects and declared intentions, considering and working through futures other than this one. This work comprises moments of beauty and care and decisiveness and responsibility for mutual worlds. Our futures are looking forwards.

Beth Hughes, Dr Mark Campbell, Dr Dubravka Sekulic, and Dr Thandi Loewenson.