Congratulations to Millie Evans for her nomination at the Architects Journal Student Prize 2022: University of Manchester / Manchester Metropolitan

Our Postgraduate Millie Evans has been chosen for the AJ Student Prize 2022 for her project ‘The Waste Mill’ (2061), based on a derelict cotton mill in Rochdale.

‘The Waste Mill’ views the fashion industry as a catalyst for slowing down global consumption, rather than propelling it. Her thesis is a speculation on emerging research into science that converts household waste into new fibres for fabrics using enzyme technology.

Disused textile mills across the north of England present an opportunity to be repurposed as waste mills for this new factory typology and this project is in an abandoned 1861 cotton mill in Rochdale. In addition to being a working factory, the proposed mill is also a living archive and educational exhibition. Community members are key players in the day-to-day operation and building materials are constructed using household waste.

Helen Iball, Tutor commented: ‘From an initial concept of the personal, political and potential, Millie took a strong climate crisis position to explore the hugely concerning issue of fast fashion. The project addresses a future set of proposals around new materials made of waste, new systems for community re-use and recycling, opportunities for emerging creatives and the re-use of abandoned buildings.’