West Midlands National Park Lab
The West Midlands National Park (WMNP) Lab is an international think-tank for integrated landscape-led visioning and development. Based at Birmingham City University, the Lab is the research and executive office for domestic and international projects and partnerships.
Video produced by Kathryn Moore and Alex Albans.
Research Projects
Creating a National Park for the West Midlands
With the youngest, fastest-growing, most diverse population in the UK, the imminent arrival of HS2, the hosting of City of Culture 2021 and the Commonwealth Games, the West Midlands has a unique opportunity to re-discover a vast, hidden landscape that has been largely overlooked and undervalued for decades.
Find out moreNo11: Know Your Place
Building on a recent Co.Lab pilot project at BCU this application brings West Midlands National Park Lab research to new audiences by reclaiming and repositioning the phrase ‘know your place’ as a catalyst for communities and individuals to discover a sense of pride, belonging and curiosity in the everyday landscape of their city.
Find out moreThe Tame Valley Landscape Vision Development
Revolutionising the Tame Valley Wetlands area of the West Midlands into an accessible area teeming with wildlife and beautiful scenery. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the great potential the valley has to provide a substantial ecological, cultural and economic role in the future of the region.
Find out moreProject SATURN
BCU has partnered with Birmingham City Council, as well as organisations from the other two cities involved, to create a more sustainable, effective way of connecting cities and the landscape within it. This will then ensure better results in business, economy, food growth and nature, as well as creating collaborative and citizen-focused solutions.
Find out moreResearch Catalogue
Learn more about our diverse, exciting and groundbreaking projects with our research catalogue, which encompasses findings, drawings, landscape visions and more.
Study with us
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Landscape Architecture – MA
This forward looking and innovative MA Landscape Architecture course offers you the opportunity to further your career as a professional landscape architect and give the first steps to become a Chartered Landscape Architect.
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Landscape Architecture (Conversion Masters) – MLA
This forward looking and innovative MLA Landscape Architecture is a Conversion Masters that offers applicants who wish to make a career change the opportunity to qualify and become a professional landscape architect.
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Landscape Architecture with Urban Design (BA) Hons
Do you love the character and buzz of urban places? The Landscape Architecture with Urban Design degree course will help you to gain real industry exposure and work on a wide range of exciting briefs. The course focuses on offering experience through practice, which will enhance your chances of securing a role after you graduate.
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Landscape Architecture with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)
Want to learn how to design the outside world? Apply for this Landscape Architecture degree course to gain real industry exposure and work on a wide range of exciting briefs. This course focuses on offering experience through practice, which will enhance your chances of securing a role after you graduate.
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PhD Research
We welcome all enquiries from those wishing to undertake original and innovative landscape-related research. Recent research topics have included: Regional design and climate change; Landscape policy; The digital/analogue interface in landscape design; Landscape and reconciliation; Site interpretation; Landscape visioning; The role of drawing to persuade leaders in regional landscape strategies.