Ms Ruth Cuenca

COAM, ARB, PCTHE, FHEA

Senior Lecturer

School of Architecture

rcuenca@brookes.ac.uk

Role

Module co-leader for Architectural Design 1 (Y2)
Dissertation supervisor

Areas of expertise

Postgraduate certificate in Architecture for Development and Dissaster Relief (ETSAM- Madrid)
Senior Architect in practice with extensive experience working for large and small architectural practices in London and Spain in a wide range of projects and sectors
Co-founder of Nimba Studio

Teaching and supervision

Courses

Architecture (BA (Hons))

Modules taught

Co-Module leader for ARCH5002-3 Architectural Design 1
Dissertation supervisor ARCH6008

Teaching interests

Live projects and learning through making.
Design and build projects.
Interdisciplinary practice and community engagement.

Research

Research interests:

Architecture and community development; people-centred approach to architectural and urban solutions.
The role of architectural and urban design as a tool in development.
Bamboo as a material that can be the key driver for regeneration processess in underpriviledged areas.
Participatory design and co-design methodologies.
Process-based low-cost architectural solutions with an aim to obtain sustainable development.

Pedagogic research interest:

The link between architecture and social innovation through live projects, interdisciplinary practice and community engagement.

Groups

Design, Theory and Practice (DTP)

Publications

Cuenca R, Canet J, Gómez E, 'Architectural Schools should be at the forefront of Social Innovation'
Charrette 5 (2) (2019) pp.66-82

ISSN: 2054-6718
Abstract Published here Open Access on RADAR

Canet J, Cuenca R, Gómez E, 'Produ-Activa; Socio-productive Cycles for the Improvement of the Habitat' in Ana Esteban Maluenda, Vicente Esteban Medina, Laura Sánchez Carrasco, Antonio Martín Soria (ed.), Ibero-american routes: Exchange paths in the twentieth century architecture, Mairea Libros (2017)

ISBN: 9788494683107

Cuenca R, Canet J, Gómez E, 'The City as a Learning Platform'
(2017) pp.518-521

ISBN: 9780992929978
Published here Open Access on RADAR
Cuenca R, Canet J, Gómez E, 'Immersive learning experiences. The case of Bamboo Think Tank in rural Colombia.'
(2017) pp.375-383

ISBN: 9780992929978
Abstract Published here Open Access on RADAR

Cuenca R, Canet J, Gómez E, 'Bamboo Think Tank. From Territory to Detail', (2017)
Jane Anderson, Ruth Cuenca, Tutors and students in Year 1, School of Architecture: OB1 LIVE., 'Performance Pieces and Places', (2017)
Abstract

Professional information

Memberships of professional bodies

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
COAM (Spanish Board of Architects) Registered Architect in Spain
ARB Registered Architect

Conferences

Co-organizer of Architecture Connects, 4th international peer reviewed conference of the Association of Architectural Educators, Oxford Brookes University 6-9 September 2017. Chaired by Jane Anderson.

Further details

Ruth is a founding partner of Nimba Studio; research-led practice specialized in strategic and sustainable projects supporting communities using the local environmental resources to design productive cycles involving social, economic and environmental factors. Early projects focused on the study of bamboo as the key driver for regeneration strategies in areas of Colombia where this is an autochthonous material. Another area of expertise is interior design specialising in learning spaces and collaborative working environments with built projects in Spain.

Other teaching experience

University College London
University of Westminster, London
UAL- Central Saint Martins, London
University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury
Greenwich University - School of Architecture, London
University of Nottingham, (Jouberton Nursery School Project in South Africa- Live Build - 2009)
Guest critic for various institutions: London Metropolitan, Welsh School of Architecture, Bartlett School of Architecture, Architectural Association.