Using interdisciplinary research project collaborations as a pedagogic tool to enhance learning and teaching : a showcase with low temperature fused recycled glass for a reception desk in the new academic building at the Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter

Abstract

This paper demonstrates how a collaboration between staff from differing subject areas within the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) at its Swansea Campus performed on a live project. The project was embedded in a research active field which investigated the feasibility of low temperature fused recycled glass as an architectural material, and invited undergraduate students to take part in the research within their discipline of study. The project’s initial intentions were aligned to the amendments, which occurred in June 2015, in the Sustainability Principles for the SA1 Waterfront Development also known as Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter (SWIQ). These amendments developed opportunities to use the creative design and environmental skills of staff and learners within UWTSD for the development of the new academic building at the Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter. The delivery of project outcomes cumulated with three main aims; enhanced learner experience, formation of a research active and cross-faculty group and the development of a commercially viable product. This project was bespoke as it considered the changing environment and tells a progressive story of learner engagement, a collaboration between staff and external stake holders and demonstrates the first goal and the five ways of working from the Wellbeing of Future Generation (Wales) Act