Scott Brownrigg joins Future Cities Forum to discuss the future of university campuses

Image: The Spark Building's interior at Southampton Solent University - courtesy of Scott Brownrigg

Future Cities Forum is delighted that Ian Pratt, sector head for education and healthcare projects at Scott Brownrigg, will be speaking at our 'Student Cities' discussion this week.

He will be commenting on the completed building designed by the practice for the London Design + Engineering University Technical Colleges (LDE UTC) in Royal Docks in east London. Ian will also describe the evolution in design of university buildings across the UK, highlighting Scott Brownrigg's work with Southampton Solent University, The Spark, providing a ‘mixed economy’ of teaching and learning spaces.

Scott Brownrigg says:

;A new 10,200 sq ft teaching facility designed by Scott Brownrigg has completed at the London Design & Engineering University Technical College (LDE UTC) on the Royal Docks in East London.  Delivered by Neilcott Construction Ltd, the three-storey ‘T-Level Building’ forms a key phase in the ongoing expansion of the LDE UTC, providing purpose-built accommodation to support full-time vocational education in design, engineering, digital, furniture-making and other technical disciplines.

'The new teaching facility complements the original LDE UTC building, also designed by Scott Brownrigg, in both form and function. The T-Level building is orientated to share the same main entrance forecourt and features similar dark grey cladding with bold yellow accents designed to echo the LDE UTC’s brand. Together, the two buildings frame a landscaped square where students can study, relax and socialise at the heart of campus, and help to activate the promenade along the Royal Albert Dock.

'Inside, industry-standard spaces are co-designed with employer partners to mirror workplace environments. the creative furniture-making workshops on the ground floor are specifically designed to accommodate large equipment and heavy machinery, while the upper two floors accommodate workshops with lighter load requirements, classrooms, offices, and breakout spaces. Glazing along the south elevation maximises natural light and views over the waterfront while revealing specialist teaching spaces to passers-by.

'The building follows a ‘Fabric First’ approach with a well performing envelope that aligns with both the Department for Education and the local authority’s sustainability criteria. The design also caters for future expansion and flexibility, allowing the building to be easily adapted in response to the UTC’s future needs and its innovative employer-led approach to its curriculum.

'Now in use, the new T-Level Building represents a significant milestone in the development of the LDE UTC’s campus. The project strengthens the college’s educational infrastructure, supports its expanding technical curriculum, and underlines a long-term commitment to addressing the UK skills gap through high-quality, design-led learning environments.'

Scott Brownrigg has also been involved in developing The Spark, at Solent University in Southampton and states:

'We developed the vision and design for this new academic hub to showcase excellence in learning, teaching, innovation and student achievement. The transformational development provides a ‘mixed economy’ of teaching and learning spaces and replaces all centrally timetabled general teaching accommodation on the campus.

'Accommodation was arranged over six storeys around an impressive full-height atrium which unifies the new and existing facilities, functions as a major arrival space and is a venue for major events. Using the topography of the site we designed lecture theatres below the entrance level.

'A ‘Solent Red’ pod was also created at the centre of the atrium and a HD digital media wall at the far eastern end. The Spark is highly accessible, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated and key construction elements were prefabricated off-site.

'Reinforcing Solent’s commitment to equality and access, The Spark has the largest proportion of agile spaces and furniture compared to others within the sector.'

Image: courtesy of Scott Brownrigg