PROJECT REPORT: EDUCATION & RESEARCH FACILITIES 35


Hub. There is an “oversized” kitchen, designed to eventually also serve other parts of the university. The cafeteria serves as ‘low intensity study’ space and opens directly into the new green space and public realm. The upper two levels house different ‘medium intensity’ (first floor) and ‘high intensity’ (second floor) study spaces. They are arranged as a mix of traditional library space and a range of individual and small group study areas, in a variety of “semi- enclosed and open plan environments.” There are also lecture rooms ranging from a 20 person to a 100 person ‘theatre.’ In terms of its form, the building is “graduated vertically,” with each storey having a progressively lower floor-to-ceiling height and and being more intimate. The ground floor is a lively set of spaces, the first floor is a calmer and more relaxed


ADF JANUARY 2023


environment, and the upper floor quieter, for focused study. The ‘learning spine’ is a series of tangerine orange-covered bespoke fixed furniture that weaves horizontally throughout the open spaces of the upper floors, taking different forms as it does so. This is a space-efficient and sculptural way to combine space division and circulation, using colour to link the levels and aid wayfinding. The ‘spine’ encloses private spaces, but also creates openings, frames views and subdivides larger rooms. Tatham sums up the practical benefit of the furniture for the spaces: “It helps contain space without sort of necessarily putting a wall and the door on it.”


It connects visually to the similarly coloured main stair, a striking steel-


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PLANTING


The design maximises connection with nature, with planting and gardens including trees being significant elements internally, as well as on the external terrace


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