Urbanest

Urbanest continues to redefine the modern student living experience through its Battersea and City developments, with a focus and commitment to four core pillars: Sustainability, Act Positively, London as a Green City, and Community Spirit. Acrylicize worked alongside Urbanest to create these pillars, and bring them to life across both locations, creating engaging spaces that resonate with students, effectively communicate Urbanest’s narrative, and set a new benchmark for modern student accommodation.

Urbanest’s commitment to Sustainability is evident throughout its developments, especially in Battersea, which is the largest Passivhaus-certified building in the UK. This emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility goes beyond architecture, influencing every aspect of student life. Our work reflects this ethos, using visual motifs inspired by nature to educate and inspire students about their roles as stewards of the environment and their communities. Hidden moments painted on walls and columns throughout the building tell a story of environmental mindfulness, encouraging students to recognise and embrace sustainable living.

The second pillar, Act Positively, similarly centres around encouraging students to consider the environmental impact of their daily choices. With artworks that serve as a daily prompt for students to act with awareness and responsibility, we were able to blend creativity with sustainability in a way that feels both accessible and inspiring.

Urbanest’s projects celebrate London as a Green City, embedding a sense of local pride into the very fabric of the accommodation. Acrylicize’s designs incorporate elements of London’s green initiatives and urban landscape, emphasising the city’s role as a leader in climate technology and sustainable development. References to local environmental successes are woven into the art, helping students feel connected to London’s identity as an eco-conscious metropolis. This sense of place is vital, reminding students that they are part of a larger movement toward a more sustainable urban future.

At the heart of Urbanest’s developments is a strong sense of Community Spirit. Acrylicize’s design aims to foster connections among students, many of whom are new to London and experiencing a diverse community for the first time. The artworks are intentionally playful and inclusive, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages interaction and collaboration. Through bespoke pieces that echo the vibrancy and diversity of the student body, Acrylicize crafted an environment where students can feel at home, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories. This pillar is about more than just decoration; it’s about creating a home where students can thrive socially and culturally.

Student artists currently studying in London brought a fresh and dynamic perspective, and a personal, current understanding of student life. This new wave of talent aligns perfectly with the vibrant and forward-looking ethos of Urbanest, with each artist responding in their own way to the central four pillars of the project. Theo Chaudoir (City and Guild Art School), Isadora Marriot (Royal College of Art), and Iain Christopher McLellan Bastidas (Royal College of Art) were selected. Their work not only showcases the energy and originality of young London creatives but also invites residents to connect with their surroundings in a more engaging and meaningful way.