University of the West of England – Department of Architecture and the Built Environment
[edit] Details
University of the West of England
Frenchay Campus Coldharbour Lane Bristol BS16 1QY
Tel: +44 (0)117 9656261
Email: [email protected]
[edit] Profile
The Department of Architecture and the Built Environment is a broad-based intellectual community committed to an inter-disciplinary approach to the creation and management of sustainable buildings, whether they are in urban or rural environments, residential or commercial, new or refurbished.
It is committed to the making of places and buildings at all scales, encompassing regional spatial strategy, construction management, urban design, architecture and the design of interior spaces.
Sustainability and the environment are common themes across all courses, and research in these subjects underpins all teaching. Design, construction and development must be organised and managed in a professional environment. Work has to be planned to ensure it is on time, within budget and to quality targets. And during occupation, built assets need to be refurbished, maintained, conserved and adapted to maximise their value for users and owners.
At the multi-disciplinary Department of Architecture and the Built Environment, they are concerned with all these aspects and ensure their courses offer the necessary knowledge and skills needed for success in this field.
The department has invested heavily in facilities, and offer students the chance to work in award-winning purpose built studios. They also organise regular field trips and site visits to a variety of UK and international destinations, helping students gain invaluable experience and understanding of Architecture and the Built Environment in the real world.
The department is an accredited partner of the major professional bodies including RIBA, ARB, RiCS, RTPI, CIOB, CIAT, CIH and CIBSE. They have established partnerships with global players in the design, construction and property sectors, ensuring that courses are current and relevant to industry needs and leading to industrial placements, advice and professional practice. The world leading research is used to ensure programmes remain at the cutting edge.
Featured articles and news
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.