Following on from the success of previous years, the Learning Environments Design Research Laboratory (LE-DR Lab) in the Welsh School of Architecture worked in partnership with HEDQF for the academic year 2021-22. The best work produced from the LE-DR Lab will be presented at the HEDQF Annual Conference on 15th July 2022.
The LE-DR Lab, which is part of MA Architectural Design, aims to investigate the spatial, digital and organisational strategies that address the current challenges for higher education estates. The laboratory builds on Hiral Patel’s research on university spaces and offers an exploratory space for building design research capabilities. As well as exploring the design and use of physical spaces in a period of rapid digital transition, the laboratory will also consider the difficulties surrounding the reduction of carbon emissions and the creation of a biodiverse campus that will also enhance the learning community.
HEDQF provided professional expertise to the LE-DR Lab students who undertook their design research around selected topics using Cardiff University as a site of investigation. Representing HEDQF, architect and design tutor Andy MacFee was actively involved in periodic reviews and tutorials during the year.
For more information on the LE-DR lab and to view some recent student projects, please visit the LE-DR Lab website.