The next event of the series will take place on Wednesday 12 June, covering the following topics: 

• Breaking out of boxes: can undisciplined designers create better futures? – Professor Rebecca Cain, School of Design and Creative Arts 

The complex social and environmental problems facing the world need designers and creative thinking more than ever. Designers must develop new responsible, ethical and inclusive ways to design the places, spaces and systems that allow communities to thrive and flourish. 

In her inaugural lecture, Professor Cain will probe the changing shape of the design discipline and its ability to tackle these challenges – now and in the future – by drawing on her experience in working between, across and beyond disciplines. 

From her research into wellbeing within environments and systems – spanning urban soundscapes and cities for electric cars, healthcare services and facilities, and homes and homelessness – she will highlight defining moments in her journey as a transdisciplinary design researcher. 

Her story culminates in her ultimate quest to tackle complex issues through meaningful collaborative research via her most important project to date – the HOME CDT. 

By asking, “Can undisciplined designers create better futures?” she urges us to think about how design must change in the future, imagine the new spaces for transdisciplinary collaboration, and consider the implications of this for research and education. 

• How will emerging systems, technologies and cultures shape the future of construction? – Professor Chris Gorse, School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering 

Professor Gorse’s lecture will explore – from a construction engineering and management perspective – the challenge of delivering a more sustainable built environment. 

Plotting the historical development of science and technology, he will explore its impact on construction practice. Expanding on this theme, he will consider how current innovations may affect the construction sector – particularly transformational advances in data science which, still in their infancy, present many potential challenges and opportunities. 

With innovation set to reshape construction and the built environment at a level never previously witnessed, he will consider the role of governance, management systems and emerging cultures as well as the fundamental role research and education play in developing future foresight and sector capability. 

He is also keenly aware that the sector must not underestimate the knowledge and competencies required to embrace and manage the disruptive potential of smart technologies driven by artificial intelligence. He argues that industry engagement with centres of applied research offers a significant step forward – unlocking excellence, capability and diversity within the sector. 

All lectures begin at 5pm and take place in EHB110b, Edward Herbert Building, with registration from 4.30pm. For more information about the venue, including photographs, view the access guide for EHB on AccessAble. 

The Professors will be available for questions and further discussion at a drinks reception after the lectures. 

Register for the 12 June Inaugural Lecture event and read full details about the series.