UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 29 AUGUST 2019
Birmingham City University has launched a new undergraduate degree programme for budding home designers, in partnership with television presenter and architect George Clarke.
The four-year Design for Future Living (with Foundation Year) course begins in September and will see students develop knowledge of how new understandings of the home, digital technologies and creative design can help to shape the places where we live.
Students will also explore the history of modern architecture and design, the evolution of current housing markets and how to create design proposals.
“I am thrilled to have helped develop and to be a part of this incredible new course at Birmingham City University,” said George Clarke, Architect and TV Presenter, best known for Channel 4’s ‘George Clarke's Amazing Spaces’. ‘Old House Beautiful Home’, ‘Restoration Man’ and currently ‘The Council House Scandal’.
“Through innovative ideas, new design methods, advanced technologies and entrepreneurial skills, students will challenge and disrupt traditional thinking around the idea of ‘home’ and develop radical alternatives that are fit for the future and fit to live in.”
George is also the founder of education charity MOBIE, (Ministry of Building Innovation & Education) which helps to inspire young people to innovate in the design and construction of homes in the UK and abroad.
MOBIE and George will contribute to workshops as part of the course, alongside specialist staff at Birmingham City University’s School of Architecture and Design and other subject experts from the University.
Professor Kevin Singh, Head of Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, said: “The design quality of housing in the UK is generally poor, particularly in comparison to Europe, and we also have a huge shortage of housing in the UK which requires urgent attention.
“George Clarke is at the forefront of front of this debate and is currently campaigning for solutions to the social housing crisis and his insights have been invaluable in designing this new course.”