Research Themes

Creative Pedagogies

The starting point for the research theme is art & design pedagogy, which has traditionally been based not on subject-knowledge but on a philosophical position which affirms the ‘emancipatory and transformative' nature of education. The commitment to individual creativity which underpins art & design education, particularly at HE level, has encouraged the emergence of radical and effective teaching and learning strategies which are frequently in advance of theoretical models drawn from studies in psychology, sociology and general education. Staff active in this theme are exploring the extent to which art & design strategies are supported by theoretical and/or action research studies, and looking at the cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural potential of best-practice in the sector. In addition, research is being undertaken in to the relationship between this pedagogic model, and the development of student creativity, motivation and independence.

One of the first initiatives arising from the new Creative Pedagogies Theme is a scoping project to determine the feasibility of setting up a Welsh Centre for creative teaching and teaching creativity. This would initially focus on art and design and would be part of the wider WIRAD dissemination and engagement aspirations.

Creative Teaching & Teaching Creativity

Design Enhanced Human Futures (DEHF)
Research that is cohered around user-centred design and seeks to utilise design principles and practice to enhance and improve quality of life. Groups active in this theme are exploring how design can improve the way products interface with and enhance peoples' bodies, activities and life-styles.

The theme brings together individuals and groups with excellent track records in publication, knowledge transfer, patent outputs and research funding. Its overarching aim is to facilitate the drive for the critical mass required for serious interdisciplinary research in rapidly developing and dynamic research area. The network will drive cohesive, subject based, interdisciplinary research with a focus on the design challenges facing human interaction of the future.

Fine Art & Ceramics
Research groups and individuals engaged in a broad range of theory and practice in craft and fine art. Much of the research in this theme is practice based and seeks to develop new insights into the creation of art works.

Groups within this theme have the common aim of developing a coherent and ambitious research programme around the disciplinary focuses of Fine Art and Ceramics research. This theme builds on the considerable strengths already established in Wales. It is in the process of rapid consolidation and expansion.

Ecological Built Environment Research and Enterprise (EBERE)

Research and Enterprise that is centred on the creation and preservation of the Built Environment from an ecological perspective and which adopts a holistic approach to principles and application at the micro level for shelter and to the macro level for communities and beyond. Groups active in this theme are investigating how design techniques, strategies and applications can take a low impact and harmonious approach to enhance how people use the built environment for their living, working and for their leisure environment.

The built environment to this group means new development, existing development and the built heritage. Consequently, there a number of key issues which are important and need to be addressed to ensure that balance is considered and translated for the benefit of society, including; minimising energy use, increasing energy efficiency and comfort, functionality and flexibility, community spirit, learning and up-skilling for all, protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the environment, lowering impacts, and use of low impact materials and techniques.

The overall approach is to develop new and existing collaborative working from the strengths within Wales and make an effective benefit on Wales and beyond.

Ecological Built Environment Research and Enterprise (EBERE)

Film, Photography & Screen Media
Theory, practice and history research cohered around the photographic, film and other lens-based media.

Film & Photography research within WIRAD has a strong research reputation. A number of established groups have significant reputations nationally and internationally. Established in 2000, the Centre for Photographic Research (CPR), one of the most significant research groups in the UK, is committed to supporting innovative models for exploring dialogues between theory and practice through research. The Performance and Screen Media Research Group is an interdisciplinary group, with its membership drawn from a range of academic and practice backgrounds. Key interests include performance in all forms of screen media (both more traditional and interactive), screen media consumption practices, remediation and adaptation across media, the limits and possibilities of narrative across screen media, formal experiment and the avant garde, as well as the production of theoretically informed innovative short film, digital artefacts, games and animation.

Design: Policy & Practice

Research relating to the education, training, delivery and practice of product design and development. The theme includes areas of public and corporate policy in the promotion and application of good design practice. Groups in the theme investigate a range of topics related to design's implementation from education through support, into production and ending with the responsibility shared by the community for the global impact of design decisions.

Strands within the theme include methods of supporting business practice through design and an exploration of design's social obligations from a global perspective.

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