Its ‘Virtual Atrium Talks’ are a series of free 30-minute long public lectures, hosted via Zoom for any interested participants to join. The talks began in April as a way to allow current PhD students, staff, researchers, and architecture and built enjoinment practitioners to present their current research projects. Some of the talks take a workshop form, where initial research findings are presented and feedback is given to help shape the project.

The lectures are a great way for current students to learn more about the research their lecturers and industry associates are undertaking—research they may not be aware of but that could inspire their own studies. It is also a way for the community to come together and share ideas despite being separated physically, and continues the Faculties ongoing commitment to building connections with industry and giving their students invaluable networking opportunities.

The series was spearheaded by Dr Rebecca Kiddle, a senior lecturer at the Wellington School of Architecture and Prof. Regan Potangaroa, a professor in Architectural Science.

“Before lockdown we had started the talk series face-to-face in the physical atrium at the School. We were keen to showcase the diversity of research going on across the Architecture and Design Schools,” explains Dr Kiddle.

“When lockdown happened, we decided to take it online. This has turned out to be a great way to allow an even wider range of people to be involved. Topics vary widely from the history of building paper to the latest in virtual reality techniques and research. It’s been a hit with staff and students alike so we will continue to keep it online for the remainder of the year.”

The series will continue for the rest of this academic year. Videos can be found on the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation public lectures YouTube playlist.