Jefferies returns to head architecture school

Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester have hired Prof Tom Jefferies as head of the jointly run School of Architecture.

Jefferies made his name at the same school in the 1990s when he set up one of the UK's first Masters degrees in architecture and urbanism and wrote a book about Manchester's finest buildings, Manchester Architecture Guide, before leaving to head Birmingham School of Architecture.

He returns with a brief to 'work with regional, national and international partners to evolve leading-edge thinking for Manchester'.

Prof Jefferies said: "The design challenges of the future are huge. More than half of the world's 7bn inhabitants already live in cities, and the design of urban space must meet society's needs for a sustainable, productive, engaging, low carbon future.

"Manchester is exemplary in using design as a major element in urban regeneration, and through its School of Architecture we must test the possibilities of sustainable urban space."

The Manchester School of Architecture is a joint School of both Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester.

• Manchester Architecture Guide (1999) Eamonn Cunliffe and Tom Jefferies Manchester School of Architecture ISBN 1-900756-06-4

• Contact Prof Tom Jefferies on 0161 247 6958 or t.jefferies@mmu.ac.uk