Boundless Collaboration

Cambridge University alumnus and London-based Associate Director, Geoff Southern, contributed to Cambridge University Land Society’s annual magazine with a piece on designing collaborative spaces in the learning industry.

The 2021 edition focuses upon the changing face of real estate, with particular attention to drivers of innovation such as sustainability, post-pandemic collaboration and the knowledge economy. The article recognizes that knowledge-based industries increasingly rely on collaboration to facilitate transformative research in response to changing boundaries between work and home. This evolution in collaboration is reflected in the way building design and real estate have been influenced.

Geoff notes these changes have been manifested in the creation of clusters and hubs in facility design to allow for the quick flow of information and dialogue, along with the development of strategic outposts and beacons to attract and highlight local talent. Finally, the implementation of sensors to gather data digitally and in-person allows for collaboration across borders.

The article highlights key design projects led by IBI Group across the UK, such as the Rosalind Franklin Institute, Sensor City and Aberystwyth University’s Innovation and Enterprise Campus. These projects feature a common denominator, a significant investment in ‘place’ to support social, health and environmental challenges facing the UK economy, with a fluid, boundary-less embodiment of collaboration, innovation and aspiration at the heart of their design.

The full article begins on page 64 of Cambridge University Land Society’s annual magazine.