Resurrection - 2013

The subject is the conversion of existing buildings for use in Higher Education. The production highlights six examples with interviews of those involved. The issues raised by the film include:

• increasing sustainability
• contributing to regeneration and community
• saving threatened building of architectural or historical merit
• refocusing universities on city centres
• providing universities with rural outposts

A film by Rod McAllister and William Pine for HEDQF. Supported by AUDE and Sheppard Robson.

 

Out of the Box - 2012

A short film showcasing some European universities and how they are distinguishing themselves with radical architecture, design and branding. To achieve their ambition, many have reinvented the academic workplace.

Produced, directed and presented by Rod McAllister; filmed and edited by William Pine; on behalf of HEDQF; for AUDE (Association of University Directos of Estates); supported by Osbourne and Sheppard Robson.

 

Small Budget - Big Impact 2011

Universities in the UK have yet to realise the impact of the new environment in which they operate. Some commentators have compared the current changes in funding to a 'seismic shift'. Students and staff have real choices across the globe as the higher education landscape becomes more competitive locally, nationally and internationally. How will the UK higher education sector continue to maintain its world rankings in this new financial environment, at a time when other countries are snapping at our heels and, in contrast to the UK, making substantial capital investments?

The RIBA Higher Education Design Quality Forum is pleased to illustrate a few examples of the excellent work that is being carried out across the sector, not just in architecture, but also in technology and landscaping. Each project selected has a construction value of less than £1 million and was completed in the period January 2008 - January 2011.

In March 2011 eight projects were selected by the judging pannel below to be included in a short film, also entitled Small budget BIG IMPACT!| Each was chosen because it embodied the ambition to use design innovation to extract the maximum value from modest funding. Together the projects represent architecture, IT, sustainability, recycling, reuse of existing structure, economic materials, inspirational forms, landscape, signage, transport and mechanical infrastructure.

The judging panel

• Ian Caldwell, Director of Estates at Kings College, London
• Julian Robinson, Director of Estates at LSE
• Sarah Shalgosky, Curator of the Mead Gallery, University of Warwick
• Ranald Lawrence, Post Graduate Architecture School, University of Cambridge and Editor of 'Scroope'
• Kate Goodwin, Royal Academy, Curator of the Architecture Programme
• Rod McAllister, Partner, Sheppard Robson Architects
• Rupert Cook, Director, Architecture plb
• Liz Pride, Director MJP Architects Ltd

 

 

ReVision - A short film by the HEDQF on the future of Higher Education 2010

ReVision is a short film by architect Rod McAllister on behalf of the HEDQF exploring the future of HE a generation from now. It was screened at the AUDE 2010 Conference in Belfast. The film comprises interviews and discussions with HE Building Design stakeholders, addressing issues indentified by the RIBA Building Futures publication 'Growing by degrees'.

 

 

Resolution - HEDQF Exhibition 2009

The RIBA's Higher Education Design Quality Forum invited entries illustrating innovation and design for new ways of learning, teaching and working in architecture and landscape projects completed since 2004 or future projects that have achieved planning consent or funding. The selection team will be looking for a balance of quality, diversity and regional representation. All projects are located within the UK higher education sector, or sponsored by a UK university if located abroad. All entries are joint submissions by the higher education client and the designer. 

The judges are particularly looking for projects that have supported innovation in one or more of the following areas:

Distinction by Design was the fourth in a series of exhibitions promoted by the Higher Education Design Forum (HEDQF) over the last 12 years to showcase the quality and diversity of architectural design in the UK's higher education sector.

Universities and architects were invited to nominate buildings or landscape projects completed since the previous exhibition in summer 2002. The aim of the judges was to select a rich mix of work completed by a wide range of architects throughout the UK. Almost 100 nominations were reviewed, of which 36 were selected for inclusion in the touring exhibition and accompanying catalogue.The need to rationalise outdated estates and maintain the UK's position at the forefront of international research in an increasingly competitive market has resulted in a remarkable blossoming of university buildings. These buildings are part of a continuing tradition in higher education of encouraging innovation and promoting sustainability, and they reflect clients' focus on proactive estate management and planning.

Notable from the submissions was the wealth of projects within the laboratory/research sector, reflecting the focus on investment. In contrast, there was a lack of quality schemes within the student housing sector. Another theme to emerge was the key role that universities clearly have in shaping cities, often acting as a catalyst for regeneration of the urban environment.