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University of Reading

New PER[form] space to be unveiled on 22 May

Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Perform invite

The School of Architecture, in association with Invisible Studio, makers and designers, will be unveiling a new PER[form] space on the Whiteknights campus adjacent to Park House on Tuesday 22 May.

Designed and built by second-year Architecture students, it will provide a platform for outdoor performances for the School of Arts and Communication Design (SACD) and for the rest of the University community. A programme of performances, happenings and interactive opportunities will be taking place after the unveiling until the middle of June.

The PER[form] space will also be a feature during the Open Days next month.

The project relates to the University’s Visual Arts Strategy, which aims to enhance the campus experience through arts and to harness the talent and opportunity that exists across the University.

Students will start building the structure on Wednesday 16 May and will finish on Tuesday 22 May. The unveiling will take place at 5.00 pm on 22 May at The Meadows, in front of Park House.

PER[form]

PER[form] relates to the end of year exhibition at the School of Architecture 'Make Design Per(form)' which describes the architecture students’ process of design and learning through making. SACD staff and students were part of the evolution of the brief for the structure; they worked with Architecture staff and students to create a brief for the structure working in interactive workshops.  This project is part of one of their construction technology modules for architecture second-year students.

The idea has been to combine the School of Architecture’s Built Structure Project 2018 with a pilot for an outdoor performance that integrates teaching in Theatre, Art and other subjects.

The brief for the project was to set out a requirement for a rehearsal and performance space that:

  • offered a flexible and adaptable space for experimentation
  • could accommodate both performers and  audience 
  • would promote sustainability through the use of recyclable/recycled materials.
  • encouraged interdisciplinary learning through making

The students have worked with experienced practitioners and makers to design and build a structure that responds to these requirements.

Please join us at The Meadows at 5.00 pm on Tuesday 22 May for the unveiling.

Visual Arts Strategy

The University’s Visual Arts Strategy sets out a bold ambition to be a regional leader in the field of the visual arts.

‘Visual arts’ encompasses painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, design, photography, video, filmmaking, theatre and performance, literature and architecture.

We are committed to proactively seeking and facilitating opportunities for commissioning public art on campus, and on other spaces linked to the University. Public art will also be commissioned as part of all forthcoming major capital developments.