Program Overview

TEDI-London Residentials

Overview

TEDI-London residentials offer a unique opportunity for students to work on a design sprint tackling a global challenge. The program is ideal for current undergraduate students seeking practical, project-based experience, but is suitable for anyone who would like to gain experience working on a design sprint with real-world impact and in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Programme Structure

The program consists of three weeks of full-time, in-person work at the TEDI-London engineering campus in Canada Water. The program is divided into three phases:

• Weeks 1-3: Online pre-learning content to prepare students to tackle real-world global issues.
• Week 4: Problem setting in a local environment, where students meet their group and interact with key stakeholders, industry and governmental experts, and the TEDI-London team.
• Week 5: Idea development and prototyping, where students work with key design frameworks and support from the TEDI-London design and makerspace team.
• Week 6: Finalization of designs, implementation of prototypes, and final reviews with stakeholders.

Industry Partners

Previous residential students have worked with industry partners such as:

• AKT II
• Arup
• ASEI Uganda
• BIOHM
• Birdi & Partners
• BRE
• British Land
• BusinessLDN
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation
• Global Generation
• Hawkins Brown
• James Cropper
• JLL
• Korn Ferry
• London Grow
• MP Smarter Travel
• The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR)
• PA Consulting
• PeaBody
• Polyfloss Factory
• Reusefully
• RS Components
• Southwark Council
• Virgin Atlantic
• Yes Make

Previous Residentials

Previous topics and student designs include:

• Summer School 2024: Designing sustainable solutions to reduce single-use plastics.
• Winter School 2024: Developing prototypes to support the repurposing of urban timber to minimise waste and encourage community engagement.
• Summer school 2023: Designing sustainable transport solutions to support the Canada Water masterplan.
• Winter school 2023: Creating a long-term community repair initiative to improve circular economy and reduce electronic waste.
• Summer school 2022: Using urban farming concepts to design innovative solutions which help local charity boost community engagement.
• Summer school 2021: Creating innovative engineering solutions for Canada Water’s outdoor spaces which support the ‘Net Zero Carbon by 2050’ challenge.
• Summer school 2020: Developing data-driven indoor and outdoor solutions to make Canada Water a dementia friendly community.
• Summer school 2019: Designing healthcare and community innovations for Canada Water residents.

FAQ's

• Is there an age limit? Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old.
• I don't live in London, is there accommodation available? Yes, please contact TEDI-London for assistance with arranging accommodation.
• I don't study engineering, can I still apply? Yes, interdisciplinary teams are encouraged, and students from all disciplines are welcome to apply.
• How often do TEDI-London residentials run? Residentials run once during the summer.

Reasons to Study a Residential Programme

• Gain experience working on a design sprint with real-world impact and in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Build a compelling and engaging project portfolio to boost CV’s and support future job/internship applications.
• Learn workshop skills such as using design software and 3D printing technology, prototyping, and electronics.
• Develop key workplace skills including: multidisciplinary teamworking, research, making, life-cycle analysis, evaluation, analytical problem-solving, multi-channel communication, self-reflection, independent-thinking, leadership, project management (i.e. planning, design, delivery), market research, stakeholder management, client work, and pitching.
• Work in an interdisciplinary team of students from all over the world.
• Work directly with stakeholders and learn how to improve through designs critiques and feedback.
• Learn from industry experts and expand professional network.
• Experience TEDI-London’s project-based style of teaching.