Architecture: An issue for students

WITH almost two years of consultation and business planning behind it, Archetype, a new architecture magazine for students, is preparing for its launch.

A promotional 'preview' issue will appear in September, with the first real issue a month later.

Sacha Cole, the magazine's founder and editor, has a degree in architecture and wants to 'pioneer a new approach to architectural journalism'. Mr Cole says that Archetype will aim to inform as well as to represent the interests of architecture students. It will also encourage students to contribute to their own education.

'We know what students want because we're talking to them,' he says. The magazine will appear monthly, with features on subjects such as ecology in building design, materials and social issues in architecture. Articles will help students to prepare for professional practice training.

Mr Cole is seeking business sponsorship to help the publication become financially independent (most of its income will come from advertising).

Archetype is available to students on a controlled free-subscription basis. For subscription forms and information, telephone 071-607 4558.

Last December, Mr Cole was guest editor of the RIBA's own journal; next week he is the guest editor of this page.