Brighton fulfils Syrian refugee's dream to study architecture

Omar left his war-torn homeland with his parents and four siblings in 2017, and went on to attain GCSEs and further qualifications in maths, finance and ceramics at Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre in Tenterden. He has now taken up a place on the Architecture and Design Integrated Foundation Year, which provides an integrated pathway to the University of Brighton's highly-regarded architecture, interior architecture and product design degrees.

Omar's interest in architecture was sparked by his study of ceramics, and the 20-year-old has been helped to take up his place at Brighton thanks to a bursary funded by a group of barristers in London, which was donated through the Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees initiative.

Syrian refugee Omar Alsalih - courtesy Homewood School

Omar said: "What inspired me was how much thought was required to plan and design beautiful houses to ensure they remained structurally strong. In addition, the practical nature of creating something from a design, and the ability to see the finished piece of work held great appeal, as well as the beauty of designing and matching the house to its surroundings.

"In the future, I would like to be able to design and build unique houses that are both environmentally friendly and structurally sound - initially here in the UK, but one day I want to go back to Syria to help in the rebuilding process there."

Rob Vinall, Omar's course leader from the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, said: “Omar has been one of the most approachable, funny and kind members of the studio – and his lived experiences will bring only more richness to a diverse group.

“Omar has already presented to the other studio members, and although his first language is not English, he presented really well. It is genuinely inspiring to have members of the studio from diverse backgrounds, and I already see Omar wanting to do the best that he can for himself.”