University of Reading to open new School of Architecture
Release Date 12 January 2015
The University of Reading is pleased to announce that it will be opening a new School of Architecture in 2016.
The School will enhance the University's world-class reputation for research and teaching relating to the built environment. Recruitment for the first intake of around 40 students begins later this year.
Students will benefit from close teaching by established experts both from academia and the architecture profession, as well as from superb industry links. They will develop crucial skills such as critical thinking and creative problem-solving required to design buildings, and have the opportunity to design ‘live' projects for real clients.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "We are thrilled to have the unique opportunity of starting a School of Architecture alongside internationally recognised courses in construction, surveying and real estate. Our performance in the recent Research Excellence Framework, ranking 6th in the UK by research power in the category of Architecture, Built Environment and Planning, reinforces Reading's expertise in this field."
Foundation Professor appointed
Leading the new School will be Lorraine Farrelly who joins the University as the Foundation Professor of Architecture.
Professor Farrelly was previously Deputy Head of the School of Architecture and Professor of Architecture and Design at the University of Portsmouth. An experienced architect and educator, she has always worked alongside practitioners and the broader community in progressing a professional mode of architectural education. Professor Farrelly is committed to an industry-facing School of Architecture, working in partnership with practising architects to ensure that students will be ready for practice when they graduate.
Professor Farrelly is regularly involved in course validation at the Royal Institute of British Architects and has chaired validation visits nationally and internationally. She also advises on the strategic master planning of regional development projects as part of the South Coast Design Review panel.
She is the author of several books, including The Fundamentals of Architecture, which provides students with a grounding in six fundamental areas of architecture design and process at the start of their studies. Her research interests include the design of learning environments in higher education, representation and drawing techniques, and innovative materials in the interior environment.
Professor Farrelly commented: "The new School of Architecture at the University of Reading will build on the extensive existing staff expertise and reputation around education and research in the built environment, such as the University's strong School of Construction Management and Engineering".
"We want students to benefit from the professional focus the School will have, which will be strongly linked to the architectural and building practice agenda. And there are some fantastic spaces that the students will be using to support their learning experience."
The University will be setting out its fee structure and financial support for the degree in Architecture in due course.