Social Learning at University – The campus as a dynamic hub to underscore that learning is not confined to the classroom.

Date: 13 May 2025
Time: 11.00 - 12.20
Venue:  Teams

Synopsis:  Join us for the launch of exciting new research funded by AUDE, UDF and Willmott Dixon. At AUDE, we champion the critical interplay between campus environments and the communities they serve. It is a personal and professional passion to explore how spaces on campus empower both staff and students to curate environments that instinctively meet their diverse and evolving needs. This research report, developed through collaborative research, reflect a vital truth: spaces are not merely physical; they are lived, relational, and deeply connected to how we experience learning and belonging.

The "C-Space" concept presented here emphasizes the integration of non-timetabled spaces—corridors, atriums, gardens, and more—into a coherent, purposeful framework for social learning. These spaces are designed to communicate with their users, offering intuitive cues for engagement, collaboration, and reflection. They become vibrant, user-centred ecosystems where the physical environment naturally guides behaviour.

At its heart, this work challenges traditional boundaries. It reframes campus spaces as dynamic hubs of bonding, bridging, and connecting, underscoring that learning is not confined to classrooms or timetabled sessions. Instead, learning thrives in moments of connection, spontaneous dialogue, and shared discovery. As we face sectoral challenges, from financial constraints to sustainability imperatives, this research has shown how, together, we can not only support but empower and inspire the next generation of learners and leaders to create campuses that are truly inclusive and empowering.

Speakers

Dr Hiral Patel, Senior Lecturer in Architecture, Director of Engagement, Cardiff University

Dr. Patel’s current research and teaching aim to better understand clients and users of the built environments. She is interested in themes of learning, socio-material practices, holistic building performance and adaptation of buildings.

Her PhD research theorises the practices of adapting academic library buildings. Based on this research, her consultancy for Higher Education Design Quality Forum (HEDQF) identified research themes for future learning environments in the higher education sector. Building on this, she is co-creating a research agenda for future learning environments to develop new ways of designing and managing higher education spaces. She also provide consultancy for businesses to develop research-based design approaches, which aligns with her design-research teaching activities.

Through a range of funded projects, Hiral has developed the 'Learning-Space Aligner' framework to better align learning and space, which she is piloting with university partners and in workplaces.

Since August 2022, Hiral has taken on the role of Director of Engagement at the Welsh School of Architecture.

Fiona Duggan, Director, FiD Space

Fiona is founding director of FiD, a London-based consultancy set up in 2006 to work with organisations and institutions in the space where users and buildings meet. With qualifications covering architecture, psychology, teaching and strategic management, Fiona's focus is on how space can enable (or hinder) change. Over the past 35 years Fiona has worked in design, teach, research and consultancy roles across more than 200 organisations. Having learnt that nobody knows as much as everybody, her approach is to help clients create a compelling narrative, where their conversation starts to move from ‘the way things are’ to ‘this is what we believe our future could be’. 

Cora Kwiatkowski​​​​, Associate Director Architect, Head of Universities, Stride Treglown

Cora focusses on strategic advice, briefing, placemaking, and user experience. She has extensive experience in POE and collaborative stakeholder engagement. As a creative and critical thinker, Cora enjoys resolving complex design briefs to deliver award-winning buildings whilst creating beautiful places that work for their users.

As Head of Universities and an accredited RIBA Client Adviser, Cora helps clients to plan, structure and develop projects from the earliest stages. Her extensive experience and impartial advice add value to projects to ensure a quality outcome in design and delivery.

Her research interests explore visionary spatial solutions to new pedagogies. She led the University Design Forum’s ‘Campus spaces and places: Impact on student outcomes’ research and the follow-on piece, ‘Social Learning @ University’.

Jane Harrison-White, Executive Director, AUDE
Experienced Executive Director & Senior Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organisation management industry. Skilled in business development, people management, contract management, project management, and change management. Strong consulting professional with a sound academic background and strong CPD portfolio.

Jane has been AUDE’s Executive Director since November 2016.