CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Conference Guides NOW AVAILABLE
Your complete guide to the DRS2016 conference is now available in pdf at the link below. In it you will find practical information and advice, location details, orientation, emergency contacts as well as the full schedule with all paper abstracts, Conversations and Debates. DRS2016 delegates will receive a copy of the book when they register, but we like it so much we wanted to give you a sneak preview.
You can also download a copy of the conference map in pdf, which features a mini guide to some of our favourite Brighton places. Again you will receive a copy of this when you register at the conference.
Download the Conference Guide with all Abstracts (pdf)
Download the Conference Map of Locations(pdf)
See the full programme online
VENUES
The conference will take place between the Brighton Dome complex, the Old Courtroom and the School of Art, Design and Media (right side of the banner image above) at the University of Brighton. All locations are within a few minutes walk of each other and together they provide a great range of spaces to use for the various activities of the conference - from the stunning Dome Concert Hall to the practice-based studios of the University; all provide an opportunity for many types of interactions.
MONDAY 27TH JUNE
The first day will be based in two buildings at the School of Art, Design and Media. At the Edward Street building PhD by Design will be holding an all-day event while at the Grand Parade building a wide variety of workshops will be taking place with coffees, teas, and lunches provided.
From 18:00 to 20:00 there will be a welcome reception at Brighton Museum, adjacent to the Brighton Dome Complex, where you'll be able to register for the conference, familiarise yourself with the area, and catch up with colleagues over a drink and canapés.
TUESDAY 28TH JUNE
The conference will open in the Dome Concert Hall with Keynote Debates and a general introduction to the conference logistics. Late morning and afternoon will be taken up by parallel sessions of Papers and Conversations.
As an associated event, on Tuesday evening, we will open an exhibition to accompany the DRS 50th anniversary conference in the Grand Parade Gallery, curated by the University of Brighton Design Archives. There will also be a series of talks about the the history of the DRS, hosted by former DRS Chair James Powell OBE, in the Sallis Benney Theatre, and reflecting on how Design Research and the DRS has developed over the years. The talks will feature a number of 50th anniversary bursary projects, funded by the DRS, as well as key people who have been involved with the DRS over its history including John Chris Jones, Rachel Cooper, Clive Dilnot, Janet McDonnell and Tom Maver. Following the talks there will be a drinks and canapé reception and an opportunity to see the exhibition curated in the gallery. Tickets are still available for the event (£20/£10).
Buy a ticket for the 50th Anniversary talks and reception
WEDNESDAY 29TH JUNE
The day will start with the second Keynote Debate and then continue in parallel sessions of Papers and Conversations.
From 19:00 in the evening the Conference Dinner will take place at the iconic Grand Hotel with a 'food of the future' theme. Brighton is renowned for its innovation in food and drink and delegates will be treated to a specially designed menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Through the evening there will be a sound and image scape featuring Cabaret Voltaire bassist Steve Malinder with staff and students from the University aurally and visually celebrating the 50th anniversary and looking ahead to the future.
THURSDAY 30TH JUNE
The last day of the conference will again start with the final Keynote Debate before reverting to parallel sessions of Papers and Conversations. At the end of the day we will come together to consider what the conference has achieved and look forward to DRS2018, with the location being announced.
In the evening there is an opportunity to unwind with a closing drinks reception at a beach bar right next to the Palace Pier. You'll be able to watch the sunset as you sip a cocktail while you reflect on your conference experience.
FRIDAY 1ST JULY
For those staying a little longer there will be an opportunity to take part in specially arranged visits to local places of interest. Brighton has become one of the creative tech centres of the UK and you'll be able to visit some cutting-edge start-ups to find out how they do it. You'll be able to visit some specialist museums such as the Ditching Museum and De La Warr Pavilion.
