Benjamin Blackwell

Benjamin Blackwell is a Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Manchester School of Architecture. He holds a BA (Hons) and MArch from Manchester School of Architecture, followed by a PhD in Architecture (2022). His research focuses on architectural infrastructures for knowledge creation, including scientific research facilities and secondary school building design. His work intersects with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and sustainable cities.

Education:

• BA (Hons) Architecture, Manchester School of Architecture
• Master of Architecture (MArch), Manchester School of Architecture
• PhD in Architecture, University of Manchester (2022)

Research emphasizes spatial practices in technoscientific environments and educational architecture. Recent publications explore topics like technoscientific infrastructures, school building design as performative mechanisms, and nanomaterial applications. His 2022 project on smart schools used digital ethnography to study spatial practices.

He has participated in events like the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference and the Society for Social Studies of Science annual conference. Collaborations include work with Ana Yaneva on school spatial dynamics and the Human Brain Project workshop.