Queen's University has unveiled a new £1 million suite of design studios as part of a development of facilities for students in the University’s School of Planning, Architecture, and Civil Engineering (SPACE).

The opening is part of a new vision for the future of architectural education at Queen's.

Based in the university's David Keir Building, the new state-of-the-art studios will create greater opportunities for collaboration between students of architecture, civil engineering and planning.

Providing flexible bright accommodation for students to work on projects, store models and exhibit work for critique, the new studios will also allow them to organise work stations and furniture for either group working for individual endeavour.

Currently 1,000 students are enrolled on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in SPACE. The School provides graduates in many of the key professions associated with the Built Environment and has increased student numbers to meet demand from the industry.

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Speaking at the opening, Professor Peter Gregson, Vice-Chancellor of Queen's, said: "Queens' students, as the architects, civil engineers and planners of tomorrow, have the potential to help shape the future and develop a more sustainable, prosperous and just society for everyone.

"The opening of these new studios demonstrates the University's commitment to the provision of an outstanding students experience in architecture, planning and civil engineering.

"This investment will ensure the continued supply of highly skilled graduates in professions which play a key role in supporting the Northern Ireland economy."

Professor David Cleland, Head of SPACE added: "Design is a key element of all three professions represented in SPACE. There is enormous benefit to be gained in students from different disciplines collaborating in a way that reflects how it happens in practice. The new facilities open the way for running exciting collaborative projects.

"Recent evidence of the excellent design skills possessed by our students is the award of first place to a second year student Sean McNeary by the Architects Association of Ireland."

The opening follows the School's recent hosting of the largest ever UK-Ireland Planning Research Conference.

Held in March, the event attracted delegates from across the globe and included key speakers such as Jonathan Porritt CBE, Chairman of the UK Sustainable Development Commission.

(JM)