Why the hell are architects so obsessed with party planning? I’ve asked myself this question several times this year on seeing Arcsoc’s name attached to various events. Well, here’s my answer: these unusual breaks to the monotony of Cambridge nightlife are essential to funding the Cambridge University Architecture Summer Show. It opened Thursday night at Battersea Park’s Testbed1 to a similar level of excitement as those cabarets and club nights – only with slightly less alcohol and slightly more mindful contemplation of architectural talent.

“Tonight is about inviting everyone who’s contributed to the year”, explains Max Gelibter, exhibition coordinator. “It’s a celebration.” And there’s plenty to celebrate; the architecture department has seen its best results in five years, according to current head of department Professor Koen Steemers. His speech makes the evening’s celebratory tone explicit as he congratulates the students on the “very high quality” of their work. The room is bursting with proof of his words. Arcsoc have been here since Monday, erecting wooden structures of all shapes and sizes to house their work. Posters hang from the ceiling, workbooks and portfolios are scattered on every surface and intricate models are laid out on tables or set low in wooden crates. Everywhere you look, there’s a whole lot of architecture going on.

But if all this celebration seems designed just to make us non-architects feel bad about our useless, not-the-perfect-balance-between-science-and-art degrees, that’s definitely not the case. 

The exhibition isn’t just about showing off the finalists’work to industry professionals – although Gelibter admits that this is part of why they’re here in London – they also want to show the public what goes on behind the hopefully well designed walls of the department. Boards are up around the room explaining the year’s projects clearly and in great detail. For me it’s surprising to see the extent to which emphasis is placed on social concern. Displays touch on issues as diverse as gendered spaces in Tokyo, economic decline in Porto, spatial scarcity in South Kensington and all manner of public buildings in Bow and Stamford. A particularly absorbing study on ways to make life easier for the homeless can be found on a table in the centre of the room.

The practical and explanatory focus need not put off those looking to be more entertained than educated. While the words “sophisticated” and “impressively complex” were being thrown around the room, the most common assessment was definitely “so cool”. A playful note is struck in much of the work, from a ‘proposal for fluorescent rooftops’ to a coloured key showing the different ways bikes have been locked up outside the building being studied.

The scope of the work is so broad and the space so well used that you’re liable to spend hours wondering around the room trying to take it all in. Luckily that’s your prerogative – the exhibition is open to the public between 10am and 6pm until Wednesday 16th July and there’s a host of events planned to complement what’s already there. Life drawing took place on Friday and is followed by an afternoon of talks this Saturday and a prospectus day on Sunday for students lucky enough to be contemplating an application.

Months of fundraising, planning and creating have gone into this week. “We want as many people as possible to come and see it”, says Gelibter. Give the man what he wants. If you find yourself in London this week, or anywhere with a train station, make your way to Testbed1. Join the celebration and prepare to be impressed and illuminated by what Arcsoc has to offer.