The Lampeter Campus of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David has entered the virtual world with a interactive model of itself in Minecraft.

The Institute for Sustainable Practice, Innovation, Research, and Enterprise (INSPIRE) team at UWTSD has launched an innovative initiative that merges education and entertainment within the popular video game Minecraft.

This project aims to promote the Lampeter Campus and the diverse range of courses available, inspiring students to explore their interests in construction, architecture, the built environment, and beyond.

The Lampeter Campus interactive model was first launched at the Royal Welsh Show, where UWTSD presented its Minecraft world. Visitors of all ages were invited to immerse themselves in the virtual campus using VR headsets, offering a truly immersive experience. Witnessing participants from various backgrounds explore the digital representation of the Lampeter Campus was a testament to the project’s broad appeal and potential impact.

Laura Cait Driscoll, a representative from UWTSD’s INSPIRE team said :

“We were thrilled to showcase our Lampeter Campus in the virtual world of Minecraft at the Royal Welsh Show. Seeing visitors of all ages engage with our interactive model using VR headsets was truly gratifying. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received encouraged us to make the experience accessible to an even broader audience.”

Following the successful launch at the Royal Welsh Show, the Lampeter Campus interactive model was featured at the Lampeter Food Festival a few days later. Attendees at the festival were delighted to explore the digital rendition of the campus. Laura Cait added :

“The response from the Lampeter Food Festival was equally heartening. We were elated to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity of festival-goers as they engaged with our Minecraft VR experience. The positive feedback we received further reinforced the potential of this project to foster a deep interest in various disciplines among learners of all ages.”

The INSPIRE team, in collaboration with creators Brandon Roberts and Ian Standen (part of the UWTSD School of Architecture), worked hard to bring this vision to life, and their efforts have been met with considerable appreciation from attendees at both events. The Minecraft VR experience received very positive feedback expressing their eagerness to see this education-focused endeavour expand to schools across Wales and England.

With the Lampeter Campus interactive model, UWTSD aims to pioneer a new path in promoting sustainability, creativity, and knowledge dissemination. By intertwining education with the gaming world, this project seeks to foster a generation of students passionate about the built environment and beyond, furthering the mission of INSPIRE in driving positive change through research, innovation, and education.

For more information about the Minecraft VR experience and the Lampeter Campus educational model, please contact : [email protected].