Ben Salter

Benjamin Salter joined Norwich University of the Arts in 2018 as the course leader for BA (Hons) Interior Design. www.digitalresidence.org

Ben’s design experience spans both commercial and residential design disciplines with extensive knowledge of temporary and exhibition design.

He attended the University of Central England, from 1999-2002, where he also completed his Masters in Visual Communication (Scenography) in 2003.

Ben subsequently worked at University of Wolverhampton’s Faculty of Arts, where he led the Interior Design undergraduate course and taught on the post graduate Design and Applied Arts program.

Practice

The manipulation of our physical environment is a fundamental and defining human characteristic. The spaces we inhabit are evolving beyond their physical boundaries, providing important and exciting opportunities for a new generation of artists and designers to redefine our physical world.

The discipline of Interior Design enables me to explore the many varied aspects of our built environment, through a wide variety of skills from practical and theoretical, to conceptual and professional.

My external practice has focused around residential and temporary exhibition design, with a strong emphasis on the integration of digital technologies.

I have enjoyed working with a variety of clients, from charities and institutions to individuals and businesses, with budgets ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

My initial research strategies of practical experimentation have developed into papers for submission at international design conferences, and I have begun to develop a keen interest in the design of spaces to promote health and wellbeing.

I continue to strive to expand my knowledge of new and emerging design thinking, multi-disciplinary education theories, and cutting edge digital and material practices.

Research Outputs

• 20/11/2017 – Well-Making: co-building pathways for empathy. (Wellcome Trust, London, UK)  – Workshop exploring new research on inclusive design and empathy with a focus on spaces that promote health and wellbeing.
• 01/11/2017 – IASDR – International Association of Societies of Design Research. (Cincinnati, USA)  – Full Paper presentation (co authored). Title: Designing with and for People with Dementia: Developing a Mindful Interdisciplinary Co-Design Methodology.
• 04/10/2017 – Changing Spaces: Understanding and Developing Perceptions of Effective Learning Spaces. Wolverhampton Learning & Teaching Awards: Commissioned Project. – Project team member / interior design consultant.
• 27/09/2016 – D&E 2016 – 10th International Conference on Design & Emotion. (Amsterdam, NL) – Pictorial Presentation. Title: Personal Digital Manifestations.
• 09/06/2016 – MinD – Designing for People with Dementia: mindful self-empowerment and social engagement (UK, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Australia) – International Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) 2016-2020.
• 03/10/2016 – Publication Review – Bloomsbury Publishing Inc. (New York, USA) – Textbook review. Title: Concept Development and the Design Process.
• 01/09/2011 – Woodford Foundation Awareness Exhibition. (Shrewsbury, UK  – Design and project management for a Non-profit organisation.
• 01/10/2009 – INDEX (Innovation Delivers Expansion) Impact Grants Scheme. (Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK) Client: Spencer Swinden Design Ltd). – Research report exploring the effects of environmental, social pressure and macro-economic factors on the strategic planning of the hospitality sector.
• 01/08/2008 – Glass Routes – International Festival of Glass Exhibition. (Wolverhampton, UK)  – Design and project management for an exhibition at Bilston Craft Gallery examining the role of glass education in the UK and internationally.
• Post Graduate External Examiner at De Montfort University (01/12/2017 to 30/11/2021)
  • MA Design Innovation
  • MA Digital Design
  • MA Interior Design
  • MA Product Design
  • MA Design
• HEA Fellow