Our impact on the world

In their artistic, experimental and theoretical design approaches - led by relational and ecological ways of developing knowledge – researchers create tangible, positive change in the world. They promote equitable practices that benefit society and the environment, neighbourhoods and cities, the places people live in, and interact with.

Our primary objectives, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are to:

• Create sustainable environments that can foster new design cultures, architectural forms, and future climates (SDG6: Clean water and sanitation; SDG7: Affordable and clean energy; SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities; SDG13: Climate action)
• Develop equitable practices, from situated to digital, that improve lives and landscapes (SDG1: No poverty; SDG10: Reduced inequality; SDG11; SDG16: Life on land)
• Lead emerging creative discourses—with world-leading individuals and institutions, including universities, NGOs, media, and business—that can make impactful change
• Create an accessible and inclusive education environment for developing knowledge—between artistic and scientific practices—through research, learning, and exchange (SDG4: Quality education)

The centre is already working towards these goals in many ways:

• Our research focuses on improving the circular economy of aquaponic food production by optimising waste and resource management. Blue-Cycling is an ERA-NET Cofund on Food Systems and Climate consortium with partners in Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Kenya and South Africa. The participation of the University of Greenwich is funded by Defra. The project runs from June 2021 to June 2024 (Benz Kotzen).
• Our knowledge exchange workshops, Field Office, bring together professional and academic partners to explore equitable and inventive new practices for researching and designing landscapes going through change (Ed Wall).
• p_ART_icipate (Participatory Art, Design and Facilitation for Social Connectedness) investigates how participatory art can foster social connectedness and well-being for the UK public online. This AHRC-funded project involves the National Gallery, Royal National Institute of the Blind, NHS CNWL Foundation Trust, Brunel University, Analema Group, NeuroCreate, Joy of Sound, Noise Abatement Society, Queen Mary University of London (Oliver Gingrich)
• The Internet of Bodies (REF21 case study) - Ghislaine Boddington engages in future digital issues for our living bodies, our digital identity and the evolution of virtual physical blended presence and intimacy. Shifting future thinking, shaping debate and transforming practice in the arts, culture, creative industries, and corporate sectors, as well as for the wider public, this practice-led research was supported through a range of commissions and curations including Nesta, BBC, and Innovate UK alongside many arts and creative industry partners (Ghislaine Boddington).