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The moon in the night sky behind silhouetted tree branches

Community engagement project supports increased evening use of green spaces by exploring the sensory experiences of nature after dark

A pilot research study at the School of Architecture and Landscape encouraged local residents to tap into the sights, sounds and smells of nature in the evening, at a time when outdoor evening leisure is becoming increasingly popular.
A group of people looking at a presenter and slideshow

Sheffield hosts successful 26th Annual Gathering in Biosemiotics

The University of Sheffield welcomed scholars from around the globe last week for the 26th Annual Gathering in Biosemiotics, a resounding success for the international research community.
Maps on a table

Could listening closer to nature help people share wild spaces more carefully?

A new research project led by Dr Liam Healy is examining how design and behaviour change can help humans and nature share the same space more carefully, following increased footfall in spaces like Redmires Reservoir since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The exterior of the prototype building in Songzhuang

Collaborative project designs and constructs regenerative building prototype to help safeguard historic earthen buildings from the effects of climate change

A new regenerative prototype has been built in an isolated historic mountain village in Zhejiang province of eastern China, which will be used to test building methods for reusing other earthen buildings in the historic region.
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Cross-faculty project bridges architecture, religious studies and infrastructure by considering parish churches as hubs for local heat networks

A new collaboration between the Faculties of Social Sciences and Engineering will consult with Sheffield clergy, businesses and communities to explore the feasibility of local churches operating networks to heat nearby buildings.
A painting of two women standing amongst flowers in a garden, one of them holding a baby
The Lily Garden by James Valentine Jelley (1914). Penta Springs Limited/Birmingham Museums Trust

Six tech‑free tips from history for designing your garden

For The Conversation, Dr Camilla Allen discussed tech-free approaches from history to design your garden, in response to the use of AI at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

| Published by The Conversation
Abstract image of human and robot arms holding bricks, wheat, tools and construction materials

New research project combines digital technology with earthen construction to develop low-carbon structures and sustain local craft traditions

A new two-year research project, titled 'Hybrid Digital Vernacular: Earthen Architecture Combining Robotic Fabrication and Human Skills' will explore innovative uses of earth-based material mixtures.
The late Nigel Dunnett

In loving memory of Professor Nigel Dunnett

It is with great sadness that we share with you that Professor Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design and Vegetation Technology in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, passed away peacefully on 26 April 2026.