Client
University of Lincoln
Challenge:
The University of Lincoln’s design based courses operated from several ageing buildings scattered across the city, some far away from the University’s main Brayford Campus. The main focal point for design at the University was Rick Mather’s iconic architecture building at the heart of the Brayford Campus. This building contained a variety of misused and underutilised spaces which were in need of rationalisation. The University looked to consolidate all of its design based courses within one building on the Brayford Campus allowing for improved inter-operability between departments and improved resource sharing.
Solution:
The design incorporates a large new structure to the east of the architecture building connected to the existing structure via a delicate glazed corridor. The new building contains a variety of bespoke workshops, exhibition spaces and teaching areas housing courses such as conservation, fine art and sculpture. The new structure is faced in a white brick which takes reference from the striking white rendered facades of the architecture building without trying to imitate it. These works involved the creation of a variety of course specific spaces for courses such as Fashion Design and product design at the expense of existing unused seminar spaces across several floors.
Conclusion:
The building successfully balances form and scale and follows existing building lines to provide cutting edge architecture. Internal spaces provide a neutral backdrop in which the Arts students can create their own working environment. The scheme provides a vibrant and highly suitable addition to the existing building design by Rick Mather and carefully marries the materials to create a dynamic transition between two landmark buildings.
