At urbanest, we believe that student accommodation should be more than just a place to live—it should inspire, engage, and create a sense of belonging. That’s why we partnered with Acrylicize, a leading creative studio, to bring a unique artistic vision to urbanest Battersea and urbanest City.

This collaboration has transformed our communal spaces into vibrant, meaningful environments that reflect our commitment to sustainability, community, and student well-being.

Why Art Matters in Student Accommodation

From the outset, our goal was to use art as a tool for storytelling—to create an environment that not only challenges the status quo of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) but also enhances the daily experience of our residents.

Through bespoke, hand-picked installations, the artworks across urbanest Battersea and City serve to:

• Create a “home away from home” by bringing warmth, personality, and storytelling into shared spaces.
• Encourage positive behaviour by subtly reinforcing messages around sustainability, well-being, and community.
• Support local artists and student talent, ensuring the creative landscape of London is woven into the fabric of our spaces.

The Four Story Pillars

The design philosophy behind the artworks is guided by Story Pillars—a set of themes that reflect our core values and inspire positive change among students through joyful, thoughtful design.

Sustainability: While urbanest buildings are some of the most sustainable in the world, much of this innovation happens behind the scenes. Through the art, we bring this story to life, ensuring students are aware of the environmental impact of their home and the role they play in sustainability.

Act Positively: The artworks serve as gentle reminders to be mindful of energy use, waste, and consumption—reinforcing small but meaningful steps students can take to reduce their environmental footprint.

London as a Green City: London is at the forefront of climate tech and sustainable development. The artworks celebrate this, highlighting the city’s role as a global leader in green innovation while grounding students in their new home.

Community Spirit: Many urbanest residents are experiencing a new city, country, and culture for the first time. The artworks reflect the importance of connection, belonging, and shared experiences, making students feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Supporting Emerging Artists

To further celebrate these values, we commissioned three students from local art schools to create bespoke pieces for our study areas. Each artist responded to the Story Pillars through their own fresh, unique perspective, bringing new voices into our spaces while supporting up-and-coming talent.

A Sense of Identity at Battersea & City

Each urbanest location has a distinct sense of arrival and identity, reflected in the artwork’s design.

At urbanest Battersea, the art creates a joyful, inspiring environment, drawing inspiration from the local area to shape a unique, welcoming community. At urbanest City, the installations highlight the importance of location, integrating the history and energy of the area to create a strong sense of place.

This collaboration with Acrylicize is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that inspire, educate, and connect. By integrating art into our buildings, we are redefining what student accommodation can be—a place where residents not only live but also learn, grow, and feel a part of something bigger.

At urbanest, we’re always looking for ways to raise the bar. With Acrylicize’s creative expertise, we’ve turned our vision into reality—making our spaces as inspiring as the students who live in them.