The University Design Forum is an independent organisation founded to promote high quality and sustainable design in University campuses, buildings and facilities, in the knowledge that this enhances teaching, learning, research and public engagement. 

The AUE is currently not a member of the University Design Forum but still actively supports the Forum and promotes their events.

Further information on the Forum is available from:

Mandy Hooker - admin@universitydesignforum.org

Lianne Goddard - events@universitydesignforum.org

Member Benefits

If universities wish to become a University Design Forum member the following benefits apply:

• Priority access to free events
• Annual conferences and seminars will be charged at a discounted rate
• Opportunity to join one of the Forum's international study tours
• Members can access member-only website resources including extended case studies, building data sheets, research papers and ​international tour content
• An organisational colleague may represent named members who cannot attend events where appropriate.

History

The Forum organise tours, workshops and debates across the UK, including an overseas study tour and an Annual conference. Their aim is to promote design excellence in the sector and do this by commissioning research, hosting exhibitions and making films. They also build a body of case studies and building data sheets as a point of reference for those interested in designing or developing University Projects.

The University Design Forum has evolved since its inception as one of the RIBA Client forums in the early 1990's: known then as the Higher Education Design Quality Forum. In 2016 they converted to a registered and charitable company with the support of its 48 founder members, and in 2022 changed their name to the University Design Forum. The Forum is keen to expand membership, reach and knowledge base which is currently drawn from over 200 organisations including 60 universities, with an expanding international interest through both conference and international tours.

The Forum strives to maintain a balance of representation from higher education (both academics and estates professionals) and from architecture, design, engineering and construction. They also actively partnering with other interested parties such as; Education Estates, YouthSight, the Association of University Directors of Estates and Scottish Association of Directors of Estates in our research programme.

In 2019 as part of their contribution to design excellence they set upon a design research initiative with UK schools of architecture to create a Student Prize that complements other research initiatives. This annual travelling programme showcases thought provoking content from current students at the annual conference.