Name: Giles Carden
Job Title: Director of Strategic Planning & Analytics
Department: Planning

Can you tell us a little bit about your role?

I am director of the Strategic Planning and Analytics Office and under the Strategy Director, I work collaboratively with other service departments to support the University Executive on strategy development, institutional performance and resource allocation matters.

How have you been involved in the Oculus Building project?

I supported Lawrence Young in developing the original brief and concept for the building, our principal aim was to further strengthen the student experience.

What do you like best about the building?

Two things: I argued strongly for a bold architectural design and for natural light in the 500 seat lecture theatre.

What challenges have you faced in your work on the building?

The main challenge was handling a short overrun on the programme which required my team members to reallocate classes in the first two weeks of term to other rooms on campus. Budget limitations were also a challenge.

Now that it’s open, what’s the next thing you’re working on?

A range of planning matters linked to the University’s future strategy.