The MDX Living Pavilion: making a collaborative, sustainable learning and wellbeing space on campus
Conference paper
Shayesteh, H., Yang, T., Fregene, K., Beaty-Pownall, P., Zandi, S., Karamanoglu, M. and Botkova, Z. 2025. The MDX Living Pavilion: making a collaborative, sustainable learning and wellbeing space on campus. 2025 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference. London, UK 22 - 25 Apr 2025 IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON62633.2025.11016635
| Type | Conference paper |
|---|---|
| Title | The MDX Living Pavilion: making a collaborative, sustainable learning and wellbeing space on campus |
| Authors | Shayesteh, H., Yang, T., Fregene, K., Beaty-Pownall, P., Zandi, S., Karamanoglu, M. and Botkova, Z. |
| Abstract | The MDX Living Pavilion project at Middlesex University is a pioneering example of practice-based learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, aimed at fostering innovation in architectural education while addressing pressing environmental and societal challenges. Conceived in 2017 by academic staff, this flagship initiative enabled students to co-create a multifunctional pavilion, blending nature-inspired designs with sustainable and innovative materials. The pavilion serves as a learning, community, and wellbeing space for students, staff, and the local community, while acting as a legacy structure that future cohorts can adapt and evolve. The project’s objectives align with Middlesex University’s strategy, emphasizing real-world learning that connects with global goals: Quality Education (UNSDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (UNSDG 9), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (UNSDG 11). Integrated within the Architectural Technology course, second- and third-year students undertook the challenge of designing and constructing a functional 60 m² pavilion. This involved theoretical application, technical skill development, and collaboration with stakeholders including the University Estates team, local authorities, industry professionals, and material specialists. This paper outlines the Pavilion Project’s implementation across all stages and highlights its contributions to student learning, professional development, and sustainability. The project’s achievements extend beyond the university, as it was a runner-up in the Guardian’s University Award for Teaching Excellence and a finalist in the London Build Sustainable Construction Award, underscoring its educational and environmental significance. |
| Keywords | Practice-Based Learning ; Inter-disciplinary Collaboration; Real life projects; Sustainability & Innovation; Authentic Assessment |
| Sustainable Development Goals | 4 Quality education |
| 11 Sustainable cities and communities | |
| 13 Climate action | |
| 17 Partnerships for the goals | |
| 12 Responsible consumption and production | |
| 3 Good health and well-being | |
| Middlesex University Theme | Sustainability |
| Research Group | London Digital Twin Research Centre |
| Conference | 2025 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference |
| Proceedings Title | 2025 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON) |
| ISSN | |
| Electronic | 2165-9567 |
| 2165-9559 | |
| ISBN | |
| Electronic | 9798331539498 |
| Paperback | 9798331539504 |
| Publisher | IEEE |
| Copyright Year | 2025 |
| Publication dates | |
| 22 Apr 2025 | |
| Online | 03 Jun 2025 |
| Publication process dates | |
| Accepted | 20 Dec 2024 |
| Deposited | 06 Mar 2025 |
| Output status | Published |
| Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Open |
| Copyright Statement | © 2025 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works. |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON62633.2025.11016635 |
| Web address (URL) of conference proceedings | https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON62633.2025 |
| Language | English |
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