Bristol’s Architecture Centre and UWE Bristol have signed a three-year partnership agreement to develop and enrich its existing programme of exhibitions, lectures and other events; encourage public debate about the future development of Bristol and its region; and develop further the public outreach activities of both organisations.
Students of planning and architecture at UWE will be able to connect with the expertise and networks of the Architecture Centre an
d take part in live projects that reflect real issues for the city.
Bristol will benefit from the knowledge and research expertise of UWE's academics, as they contribute to key debates about planning and architecture in the city through the forums and events at the Architecture Centre.
The agreement, launched this week, will involve students taking part in events, contributing to exhibitions and attending lectures relevant to their architecture and planning education.
Professor Richard Parnaby from UWE, who helped to set up the agreement, said, “UWE has lots of expertise in the disciplines of Planning and Architecture, and research and knowledge in these areas. We want to bring this into the heart of the city, at the Architecture Centre, which holds regular forums focusing on key issues in the city.
“Through the networks of the Architecture Centre, which includes planning officers, politicians, developers and government officials, we will be able to bring the value of research to those working in these fields. Through the agreement our students will also be able to carry out projects related to the real issues that affect the city.
“Current issues, such as plans for the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, require immediate consideration, but there is also a need for long term thinking. We want to be able to contribute to the debate and be part of a forum for thinking about the future that looks 10, 20 or 30 years ahead at what is right for the city. We can frequently offer expertise which is valuable to the discussion, and help foster more informed public debate. Our areas of expertise include not just buildings and architecture, but also their setting and context, urban design and planning.”
Architecture student Brigit Luffingham said, “As students, we are all really excited about the opportunities that the partnership with the Architecture Centre will offer, especially the chance to exhibit our work in the public eye, outside the university studio environment. Stronger recognition for the university department amongst the wider Bristol network of Architecture and the Built Environment will be hugely beneficial. We also view this very much as a two-way partnership with greater opportunities for others to feed into university life.”
Architecture Centre chair of trustees David Mellor added: “The Architecture Centre is delighted to be entering into this partnership. We are building on past successful collaborations with UWE and this will allow us to enhance that relationship for the benefit of both parties. Our quayside location on Bristol’s Harbourside provides a good location for the exhibitions, joint working and events that we will develop together.”
