The Higher Education Design Quality Forum is organising a debate on the potential impact of information technology on higher education estates for those involved and interested in buildings in the higher education sector. It will take place on Wednesday 31st May, starting at 5pm at the Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, London W1.

The effect of IT and the communications revolution has more impact in higher education than anywhere else. However, the implications of the IT revolution on methods of learning and infrastructure are, to say the least, unclear. Whilst global electronic learning offers an opportunity for students to access learning materials, remote from the traditional University campus, the majority of 18-year olds still want the full student experience of "going away" to a university.

Many universities are "wired up" with large computing suites but the question is whether the wiring up or, in fact, the provision of computers for students will be necessary in the future. All of this will translate into a different learning environment and hence potentially a different response in terms of infrastructure.

Given the lead-time in course development and infrastructure, it is essential that the debate is more focused than it has been so far. This debate, with an audience from the higher education and architectural sectors, is designed to stimulate that process.

The forum is free to attend. For further details and a booking form please fax a request with contact details to 020 7436 9112 or e-mail client.forums@inst.riba.org

Anna Lagerkvist