East London University lecturers turn the year winning Turner Prize for Toxteth project

Lecturers have ended the year at the University of East London’s architecture and design practice winning this year’s Turner Prize.

Adam Willis and Lewis Jones are members of the ‘Assemble’ collective which received the visual arts accolade for renovating empty homes using low-cost materials and artisan craft skills for a community project at Toxteth in Liverpool.

“For some people it’s art,” Lewis said. “But through that project there are houses provided and products made.”

The group’s victory is another feather in the cap for UEL’s School of Architecture.

Carl Callaghan, head of architecture at UEL, said: “The collective’s diverse portfolio highlights our drive for professionalism and a passionate concern for architecture and design rooted in sustainability that engaged with the community.”

‘Assemble’ beat off opposition from top artists to claim the £25,000 first prize at the awards in Glasgow earlier this month, the second time a UEL staff member has won the Turner Prize after Prof Grenville Davey triumphed in 1992 for his steel sculpture, HAL.