Architect Dion sees construction through different lens

Seeking something ‘beautiful and informative’ has helped architect Dion Barrett earn his reputation as a ‘rising star’ in the profession.

Dion, a double LJMU School of Art and Design graduate, was recently selected as one to watch by the Royal Institute of British Architects Journal.

The 30-something is a pioneer in architectural filmmaking, which he says “can be utilised to benefit the profession.”

Dion completed two degrees at LJMU BA (Hons) Architecture and MArch Architecture with Distinction in 2015.

He worked as an architect at Associated Architects in Birmingham and at Fabric in Solihull before setting up Architecture.Film, now 50two.co.uk. 

He sees filmmaking as a way of communicating the “complex process of delivering buildings rather than just documenting the end result”. His aim is not just to concentrate on aesthetics but to educate by creating ‘something both beautiful and informative’.

‘I’m passionate about using my skill as a filmmaker and architect to highlight great buildings and advocate for the profession,’ he says.

Dion has produced more than 100 architectural films, ranging from live events to project showcases, educational films and documentaries. These include Village Stories for Jestico + Whiles, which encouraged residents of Greenwich Millennium Village to speak for themselves and won the AJ100 Communication Initiative of the Year award.

Speaking to LJMU, Dion said: “Studying at the LJMU School of Art and Design allowed me to be exposed to other disciplines such as Fashion, Art, Graphic Design and Illustration, that really shaped the way I thought about Architecture within the wider context of design.

“The common denominator was how success often came down do how well we communicate our ideas, and having your influences come from a broad spectrum really strengthens that ability. This honed skill is essentially me helping other architects to communicate their ideas and value.

“To be recognised as a Rising Star is testament to how important and appreciated that skill is."