About us
Salford Laboratory of Architecture (S-LAB)
Salford Laboratory of Architecture, or S-LAB, explores contemporary ideas of place, culture and technology. It supports research-led teaching and industry-focused learning. As a result, students gain experiences that connect academic study with the future of architectural practice.
S-LAB reflects the University of Salford’s commitment to preparing students for future challenges. It also responds to the region’s techno-industrial context. The laboratory benefits from cutting-edge campuses, specialist buildings and an ambitious student community.
In September 2024, BSc Architecture at the University of Salford reached its 10-year anniversary. During that time, the launch of the MArch programme expanded staff expertise. It also broadened research-led teaching and attracted a diverse international student body.
The introduction of S-LAB marks a new chapter for staff and students. It encourages engagement, experimentation and impact. For example, students can take part in live projects, speculative design testing and physical prototyping. They also collaborate with world-leading research groups and specialist facilities.
Foresight and futures thinking form part of Salford’s heritage. The University began as a Royal Technical Institute, training workforces during rapid industrialisation. Today, this legacy continues through programmes that support access, enrich the profession and encourage innovation.
Future Challenges
Contemporary lived space sits between new technological possibilities and urgent environmental challenges. The fifth industrial revolution creates new opportunities. However, the first industrial revolution also left major social and environmental consequences.
Therefore, S-LAB uses design experimentation to explore global challenges. Students consider decarbonisation, decolonisation and social responsibility. They also test emerging technologies and examine how these tools affect built environment use and performance.
Future Architects
S-LAB aims to support a profession that reflects society. It promotes ethical working practices, inclusive cultures and widening participation. In addition, it values equity, diversity and inclusion across architectural education and practice.
The student body includes regional and international learners from varied educational, vocational and cultural backgrounds. This mix brings together different skills, ideas and experiences. As a result, it creates a culture of ambition and exchange.
Students also benefit from facilities and expertise in the new SEE Building and across campus. These resources help them develop transferable skills and knowledge. Consequently, graduates can prepare for future careers and wider global challenges.
Future Pedagogy
At S-LAB, all briefs can become live projects. This approach builds on the University of Salford’s reputation for industry engagement. It also creates opportunities for innovation through collaboration.
Students take part in these collaborations as a core part of their university experience. For instance, cross-programme projects encourage undergraduates and postgraduates to work together. In addition, transnational design studios have enabled students to contribute to international activity, including COP27.
Stronger links between modules, programmes and schools create richer learning environments. They also support flexible and responsive teaching. Furthermore, direct engagement with research and industry partners helps students understand professional expectations and behaviours.
Future Possibilities
S-LAB builds on an established and growing research base. It gives students opportunities to realise, evaluate and test ideas. For example, students can take part in community and industry research events, conferences and workshops.
Projects such as The Modern Backdrop and Decarbonising Heritage provide routes into primary research experience. In future, S-LAB aims to expand this activity further. This may include active fieldwork, practical application and prototyping.
The University’s campus strategy also supports this work. For instance, experimental green infrastructure at Peel Park Campus offers a live testbed for evaluation. In addition, routine programme reviews help align teaching with Tomorrow’s Architects and The Way Ahead.
Future Skills
Access to technology forms a core part of the curriculum. Students use design software, fabrication tools and technical support throughout their studies. Therefore, they develop practical skills alongside architectural knowledge.
Shared workshops and an industry-funded Makerspace support this learning. Dedicated 3D printing, VR facilities and studio-based technical expertise add further value. In addition, academics and practitioners help students build strong communication and representation skills.
Industry engagement also plays an important role. It exposes students to new skillsets and supports knowledge exchange. Moreover, closer involvement with the Industry Advisory Board gives students direct experience of professional expectations.
Future Studio
S-LAB understands studio as a flexible and dispersed activity. It takes place on campus, in the field, in teams and through digital environments. This approach supports different ways of working while still valuing direct, located experience.
On campus, students use dedicated studios and workshops. On site, they test ideas in real contexts. Through teams, they connect with practices and research centres. Meanwhile, digital environments support local, transnational and multidisciplinary collaboration.
As a result, S-LAB creates a studio culture that is flexible, experimental and connected. It uses local environments as testbeds while helping students develop ideas with wider relevance.