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New School of Architecture working closely with leading architects to offer real industry experience to students

Release Date 18 November 2015

Old Library

World-class architects will give industry experience to the first cohort of students at the University of Reading's new School of Architecture, which will open in September 2016.

Students will work alongside professional architects on live projects, understanding the creative design process as well as the need to work collaboratively with the different teams involved in bringing a new building to life.

In addition, Hawkins\Brown, will be offering Reading architecture students a Live Learning Laboratory. Earlier this year, Hawkins\Brown was appointed to refurbish the existing home of the School of Construction Management and Engineering (also known as the ‘Lego building') on Whiteknights campus, which will eventually house the School of Architecture, alongside related departments within the University. The Live Learning Laboratory will allow students to engage with the refurbishment as a live project and understand the building though its development. Hawkins\Brown will also periodically share their experience with students through lectures and on-site visits.

The list of architectural practices to offer work experience to Reading students so far includes:

The announcement comes as academics and professionals from across the industry came together to celebrate the official launch of the new School of Architecture last night [Tuesday 17 November]. The event was held at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in central London, a year ahead of the School's first intake of students.

The School's Foundation Professor and Head of Architecture, Lorraine Farrelly, said: "The new School of Architecture will equip students with the technical and professional skills they need to succeed in the modern building design profession. Our course will be actively informed by world-class research around architecture and its associated disciplines. This research strength already exists at Reading in subjects such as environmental engineering, urban design and sustainable cities.

"We've placed a strong emphasis on working with industry. Using Reading's already well-established connections across the built environment sector, we will ensure that our students gain as much practical experience as possible before they enter the workplace. The Live Learning Laboratory from Hawkins\Brown will be a fantastic learning opportunity for our founding cohort of students."

Since the new School was announced in January 2015, the University has been working hard to develop the curriculum, recruit staff and prepare for the incoming 40 students arriving next September.

A £3,000 a year scholarship will be offered to the first cohort of students who make Reading their firm choice on their UCAS application and students will receive an interdisciplinary education, working closely with related existing departments within the University. In addition:

  • Flora Samuel, former Head of the School of Architecture at the University of Sheffield and Chair of the RIBA Research and Innovation Group, has joined as Professor of Architecture and the Built Environment. Her main focus will be to develop a strong research culture within the School. She has recently been awarded a research grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council to consider the ‘value of architecture' in the context of an increasingly globalised and digitally-connected design industry.
  • GSSArchitecture has been appointed to redevelop the ‘Old Library' at the University's historic London Road campus as an interim location for the School of Architecture whilst the future home is being developed. Students will have 24-hour access to dedicated studio spaces and cutting-edge facilities, including 3D printing and an associated workshop. Additionally, a material shop and a café area will be available to increase the flexibility of the learning environment, for both private and collaborative study. The refurbishment started on site in August 2015, and is due to complete in spring 2016.
  • This summer, the University acquired the prestigious DEGW Archive. Founded in 1973, DEGW was widely recognised as a pioneering practice in the international field of workplace design. The firm was famous for a series of research studies on the impact of information technology on the design of the office workspace. In 2010 it was acquired by the multi-disciplinary practice AECOM, where it continues to operate as Strategy Plus. The archive will be based in the Collections Department of the Museum of English Rural Life and will provide an invaluable research resource for students of the new School of Architecture.
  • Working closely with local architects, the School will act as a location for discussions on the future development of Reading, currently undergoing radical transformation with the expected arrival of Crossrail in 2019.
  • The University is also starting to develop its Masters in Architecture, enabling students to take the next step towards becoming a fully qualified architect.

Further information about the School of Architecture can be found here.