Rachel Armstrong is Professor of Experimental Architecture at Newcastle University, an internationally acclaimed academic and pioneer in innovating environmental solutions and interdisciplinary practice. She designs and engineers architectural applications in the built environment, which are based on the properties of life-like chemical and biological systems. She produces prototypes that have been internationally exhibited at festivals such as the Venice Biennale (2010; 2015), which demonstrate how it may be possible to harness the properties of living systems to address environmental solutions. She also consults with industry to advise on convergent technologies and low carbon solutions.

At the Open Lecture Series internationally renowned architects, artists, theoreticians, critics and urbanists from all around the globe give talks to offer fresh perspectives on architecture, design, urban development and critical thought. The lectures are open to everyone interested in the future of our living environment.