LOCUS LANCASTER

Working in groups, the students undertook to research the planning and architectural history of the campus as well as some of its outdoor sculptures. In collaboration with Lancaster Arts, the new Reading Room at the University Library, the students handled and scrutinised original drawings, letters and artefacts to aid their understanding of the post-war moment and the creation of the seven ’New Universities’. As well as archival work, the students were supported in learning how to use search engines specific to architecture and urbanism and were led on walking tours of the campus by Dr Natalie Bradbury. 

Their research was captured in a group report that included a general history of the university, a history of its planning and architectural approaches and each group produced a 3D model of one building and one artwork, which they also researched and wrote about. In advance of the report, they presented their work to Adam Robinson from Lancaster Arts who gave them feedback that was incorporated into their submission.

Individual feedback from the students, reflecting on their own learning included this: “The fact that this project was situated at Lancaster University and its artwork was great because it is something that will be surrounding us for the next few years and it helps us to appreciate the efforts of artists, the stories and the design and reasoning for Lancaster University.”

Four of the students volunteered to present their work at a public symposium in March 2024, closing the loop between research, findings and dissemination and introducing them to a wider experience of academic life.