Oxford Brookes and Morgan Sindall Open New Knowledge Quad
How do you inspire the next generation to see construction not as “bricks and mortar” but as a future shaped by green tech, digital engineering and social impact?
One answer arrived this week at Oxford Brookes University, with the launch of Morgan Sindall Construction’s new Knowledge Quad in the Clive Booth Student Village, a space designed to demystify the industry through hands-on learning for schools and the wider community.
On Tuesday 2 December, colleagues from Oxford Brookes joined Morgan Sindall to officially open the Knowledge Quad, one of several learning hubs the company has created across the UK. The ribbon was cut by Professor Simonetta Manfredi, Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Oxford Brookes, who welcomed the space as “a practical and inspiring gateway into the world of construction.”
Designed as an immersive workshop environment, the Knowledge Quad will host demonstrations, practical challenges and activities spanning digital design, sustainability, engineering, everyday maintenance skills and more. Its purpose is simple: to show young people and local communities the full breadth of careers and ideas that underpin the built environment.
The launch also marks a further strengthening of the partnership between Oxford Brookes and Morgan Sindall, who return this year as lead sponsors of the Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar. Their support ensures the festival remains free and accessible, enabling thousands of children and families to explore STEM subjects without financial barriers.
For both organisations, the Knowledge Quad represents a shared commitment to widening participation in STEM and shifting early perceptions of who “belongs” in fields like construction. Research shows that children begin forming ideas about their future careers from as young as five, making early, positive encounters with STEM vital.
“Our ethos is rooted in curiosity, creativity and making STEM visible and exciting for everyone,” said Steven Vaux, Operations Director for Thames Valley. “The Knowledge Quad builds on that by giving young people and the community a place to experiment, ask questions and discover the breadth of opportunities within construction.”
With school groups, youth organisations and local residents already expressing interest, the space is expected to become a lively hub for learning and exploration, sparking curiosity long before young people reach the point of making career choices.