04 July 2018 
Corinne Merriman, Events Manager
HEDQF Annual Conference Press Release - Ricky Burdett Opens University 2040
The fourth Higher Education Design Quality Forum (HEDQF) Annual Conference at University of London's Senate House was launched with a key-note speech by the LSE's Professor Ricky Burdett CBE. In a speech with a global perspective he urged the 185 delegates to design future universities which were open and strongly connected with the cities and communities in which they are located, addressing inequality, the environment, poverty, health and lack of opportunity in these communities.
This was followed by presentations by universities in London, Bristol, Huddersfield and Budapest, several of whom were addressing this challenge.
There then ensued a very lively debate presented by school pupils and students on the value of design, which concluded that whilst great buildings and facilities were important, it was the quality of teaching which counted most. Futurologist, Dr.Chris Leubkeman of ARUP continued the discourse with a thought provoking presentation before delegates worked together to decide what technologies and design priorities would be most important, in future university buildings. The conference then moved on to an evening reception and tour of the new Bartlett School of Architecture and its 2018 degree show to view the work of designers of the future.
Julian Robinson
HEDQF Chair
Photo credits: Simon Fraser
