Live Projects

Our pioneering educational initiative has been running for 20 years and is responsible for more than 150 completed projects.

MArch live project sketch of Castlegate in Sheffield
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Working with local communities

While studying at the University, architecture masters students work in groups with a range of clients, including local community groups, charities, health organisations and regional authorities.

In some cases, the projects involve actual building, in others design of urban masterplans or even consultation exercises.

In every case, the project is real, happening in real time with real people.

You brought life back into our building in a way I had not anticipated. Everytime I walked in there was another conversation happening. There was a hubbub all the time in the building with people interacting with and talking to all of you. It was some of the best community development work I've seen in 20 years

Andy Jackson

Heeley Development Trust

The projects draw on the school’s exceptional research base as well as the commitment, vision and resources of highly talented students.

The real thing that we will take away from it is you have managed to understand the position of the building in the heart of the city. You have managed to position and create a building that will serve the people of Sheffield, enhance civic pride and it will give us a building that is right for everybody. It has been truly inspirational.

Jenny Cocker

Director of Finance and Resources at Museums Sheffield

Live Projects set real constraints, responding to budget, brief and time. In each project, there is regular contact with the client and a defined end result, normally a presentation, report and sometimes physical building work.

The projects place a large responsibility on the groups to deliver; as opposed to most student projects, these are public and accountable.

Through this Live Project you have given us a vision of where we can go to. The team are absolutely fantastic in every respect. Their commitment, their energy, their desire to help our charity, our school, our adult services is beyond question. It has been a great privilege to work with you over this time.

Dr Spencer Pitfield

CEO of Paces

A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.