Dr Adrienne Bennie

Biography

Adrienne Bennie is a multidisciplinary researcher, educator, and artist-designer based in London, whose work focuses on socially responsible design and its role in addressing societal inequalities. Her practice-based PhD in Design, titled "Interrogative Design as a Means for Confronting Hostile Architecture," explores the influence of spatial design on social outcomes, particularly within the context of homelessness in London. Utilising methodologies such as social, speculative, and interrogative design, her research challenges traditional perceptions of public and domestic spaces, with a focus on the power dynamics embedded in hostile architecture.

In her current role as Senior Lecturer in Critical Practice on BA (Hons) Product & Furniture Design at the University of the Arts London, she leads the critical practice program for all year groups. Her teaching philosophy is informed by her research, and she is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that empower students from diverse backgrounds. She has also held many academic positions including roles as an Associate Lecturer in MA Architecture & MA Interior Design at the University for the Creative Arts and as a Lecturer at Regent’s University London, contributing to both undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Adrienne’s research and teaching are further supported by her success in securing funding, including the Knowledge Exchange Local Business Grant and the Teaching and Learning EDI Fund. Her future research aims to deepen the exploration of the intersections between design, social justice, and co-design and participatory methods, focusing on evidence-based interventions that create tangible social impact. Adrienne is also an active contributor to academic and public discourse, having presented her work in various international exhibitions, conferences and webinars.

Adrienne welcomes PhD supervision in areas which include:

- Design for social impact, inclusive futures, and community-led participatory methods addressing social and urban challenges.
- Spatial design, the politics of place, and decolonising dominant spatial narratives.
- Critical, speculative, and interdisciplinary design research across art, architecture, and society.
- Design grounded in lived experience and collaborative approaches.