Dr Neil Burford scoops RIAS Design Tutor Award

Dr Neil Burford of the University of Dundee has won the bi-annual Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Scottish Design Tutor award (2014-2016).

Dr Burford has been recognised by RIAS for his “outstanding talents” in teaching in Architecture & Planning at the University where he has co-led a pioneering research and teaching project, the MacroMicro Studio.

Located at the institution’s Botanic Garden, the zero-carbon research-led teaching studio has designed and built a small prototype ‘off-grid’ building, with students engaged throughout the project.

Dr Burford said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received the RIAS Design Tutor Award and it is truly a great honour to have my efforts recognised by my peers in this way. It is a pleasure to work in an environment with inspirational colleagues and students who have had a major part to play in facilitating the innovative research-led methods of teaching design and technology using live building projects.

“This has only been possible through considerable cross-disciplinary co-operation within our own University and other establishments and the support of numerous industrial partners. I would like to thank the University, colleagues and students for their support, enthusiasm, and tremendous efforts that have been required in bringing this to fruition. The intent is to carry this and other projects forward with future generations of students as a basis for enhancing their learning and research experiences in preparation for professional practice.”

The RIAS award is made in recognition of the importance of the role of design tutor.