Southampton Solent University has unveiled the first architectural visualisation of the new £25 million building that hails the beginning of major redevelopment that will transform the campus and the East Park neighbourhood.
Designed by Scott Brownrigg and due to be completed in 2015, a spectacular atrium will form the central hub of the new teaching block. Measuring 18 metres across, it will include a multifunctional suspended ‘pod’ with a viewing platform above.
The new building will provide centrally located lecture and seminar facilities, together with social and flexible space for exhibitions, shows and events. It will have state-of-the-art lighting, acoustics and equipment. Beneath the atrium there will be a series of underground lecture theatres, one of them arranged in an oval ‘Harvard’ style.
The new structure will sit alongside the Sir John Everett Millais building and will be linked to the rest of the East Park Terrace (EPT) site through the atrium, opening up the campus for easier circulation.
It will be naturally ventilated with a high environmental performance designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
“We have commissioned a high quality building with purpose and flair that should serve our students, our staff and Southampton well into the future,” says Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore.
“Continuing demand for our courses and strong finances make possible this new investment which is in addition to the £20 million we have spent on enhancing our facilities over the last five years.”
“These include a new Media Academy with excellent facilities for all our digital and creative courses; a new School of Art and Design; FA-accredited sports facilities at Test Park; and business start-up pods for student entrepreneurs.”
“The new building project follows major investments in our world-leading maritime facilities, including our new engine room simulator, the manned model ship handling centre near Romsey and the launch of one of the world’s first superyacht academies.”
The new building is the first phase of a planned transformation of the whole EPT campus which will eventually include a new sports and sports science complex, a landscaped plaza and enhanced facilities for students, staff and visitors. It forms one of the ‘Very Important Projects’ in the exciting Master Plan to realise Southampton’s City Centre Vision.
Ian Pratt, Associate at Scott Brownrigg, says, “Our design for the new teaching building and the wider campus redevelopment will transform the student experience, creating vibrant social spaces that encourage interdisciplinary learning, collaboration and enterprise. The new facilities will also increase interaction with the wider business community by offering spaces that can be used for conferencing and public events”.
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Contact: Media office
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10 May 2013