University of Wales Newport Campus

On a very tight urban site, the building responds by layering activities vertically and integrates the Business School, and the School of Art, Media and Design.

The ground level houses public exhibition/foyer/lecture and performing art space. The mid level accommodates the tiered library and restaurant plateau forming social heart. The upper levels house flexible studio, workshop and teaching space wrapping around the yellow timber clad ‘hothouse’ suspended in central space.

Brief

  • create a new learning quarter with the city centre
  • to foster physical links between the water and the city centre
  • create an inspirational place for learning
  • reinvigorate the city’s waterfront

Results

  • integrates  two Schools into a ;single home
  • encourages interdisciplinary research and learning
  • provides a stunning learning landmark for Wales
  • provides very strong identity for the city
  • primer for economic growth in the region
  • BREEAM Excellent rating

Facts

Location: Newport, Gwent, Wales
Client: University of Wales Newport
Construction cost: £35m/£26m
Completed: 2011

Integrated services

architecture, interior design, graphic design, landscape architecture

Links to images