1.Lectures POoR Collective
Arcam x Academie van Bouwkunst Amsterdam
Power Out of Restriction (POoR) is a socially minded design practice that focuses on the development of communities through the elevation of young people. On Thursday 29 October Ben Spry and Larry Botchway will respresent the London-based social enterprise and architectural practice for a 1.Lecture at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture.
About Ben
Ben Spry is an architect, tutor and public speaker. He has experience delivering healthcare schemes, social housing and cultural centers. Having worked across the London boroughs of Camden, Southwark, Hackney, Brent, Merton and Bexley, Spry has notable experience working on various different architecture projects. He has also delivered several co-design projects and creative workshops across England.
Spry’s previous experience includes working at architecture practices which include Fleet Architects, MUF, GortScott and Karakusevic Carson Architects. He has taught at the Architectural Association, participated in crits and talks at universities such as the Royal College of Art, Ravensbourne University and the University of Portsmouth. Spry has also been a part of groups such as the Architects Climate Action Network as a team leader spreading climate awareness within the construction industry and to the younger generation.
About Larry
Larry Botchway is an architect, tutor and engagement specialist with experience in a variety of sectors. He has significant experience in placemaking, designing buildings and developing urban strategies, with particular experience working with public sector clients, across the UK, including Hackney Council, Southwark Council, Lambeth Council, Bexley Council and Basildon Council. Having worked at We Made That, Haworth Tompkins Architects and Perpendicular Architecture, Botchway has notable experience working with cultural institutions, such as TATE, LW Theatres, London Theatre Company.
He has experience working with artists and has collaborated with international research collectives such as Feral Atlas. Larry is on the board of trustees for School SOS, a Nomadic Not-For-Profit Critical Design School that seeks to challenge modes of delivering Higher Education in the UK. Botchway is also an Associate of the Quality of Life Foundation which is an UK charity committed to improving people’s quality of life by changing the way the housing industry and government acquires, plans, designs builds and manages homes and neighbourhoods.
Plan your visit
1.Lectures POoR Collective
Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
Time: Doors open at 19:50 | Lecture starts at 20:00 | Lecture ends at 21:15
Location: Amsterdam Academy of Architecture
Address: Waterlooplein 211–213, 1011 PG Amsterdam
Tickets: Regular €9 (including an admission ticket to Arcam! – Order your free admission ticket via Arcam – online tickets)
Free: Students and staff of the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture (to be ordered via the ticket button)
Please note: The language of this lecture series is English.