16. Jayden Ali

Farrell Centre

Jayden Ali is founder of JA Projects – a London based practice working at the intersection of architecture, urban strategy, art and performance. "We work", the practice writes, "in culturally rich spaces, on projects we love, in places and contexts we care about. "Our approach to architecture and city-making mirrors our social values – places should be diverse, supportive and enriching. "Our work strikes a balance between playfulness and precision, and is driven by a design ethos grounded in observation, participation and collaborative design. "Our ultimate goal is to weave beautiful stories and deliver exciting projects that speak to and for the people they serve. "From ground-breaking exhibitions, through low-carbon buildings, to pioneering urban strategy, our projects intervene both socially and spatially to deliver a more sustainable and more equitable world." Jayden teaches at Central St Martings where he is Unit Leader as well as a Course Tutor on both M ARCH Architecture and MA Cities. He previously taught the Global Free Unit, alongside professor Robert Mull at the University of Brighton, a diploma unit that assists students in making independent projects based upon their personal interest, histories and beliefs. Jayden graduated from the The Cass with a previous degree from the University of East London. Part of the series 20x20 – a podcast where we ask leading architects, urbanists and thinkers 20 questions over 20 minutes, exploring everything from their ideas and interests to the present and future of architecture and cities. Hosted by Owen Hopkins.