How we do it

Our role as design-led researchers puts us in a unique position - allowing us to make connections between people and projects, combining innovative ideas with rigorous research methodologies.

We bring ideas and research methodologies and apply them successfully in the real world.  Our interest in processes, not just results, means that we can share ways of doing things, and work out why landmark projects succeed - and how to learn from them. We use art and design practices to enable people to think spatially and to help groups to create shared visions.

Our position as an autonomous research unit within the university means that we have the dynamism of a small organisation – changeable, responsive, flexible - whilst being able to draw on the depth and breadth of expertise of a large institution; benefiting from close links with external consultants and internal specialists at the university.

As architects we are pioneering an innovative and informed approach to community-led regeneration.  We encourage communities to get involved with design at the early stages of a project to give people the skills and techniques they need to make educated decisions and to communicate their ideas to key strategic partners.

We like to share our knowledge with industry and strategic partners, community groups and staff and students at the University of Sheffield - pushing ideas further through collaborative work