Location: Northampton

We were inspired by the current buildings but also we wanted the University to be able to continue its teaching success through buildings that assist and not hinder. Our design approach proposed to retain those buildings that are close to 21st Century 'fit for purpose' learning environments, and, through a phased masterplan, gradually replace buildings that do not give opportunities for innovative teaching methods. These flexible environments are able to deliver the adaptability that the exciting changes in ICT over the coming century will require.
The design is split into seven zones:

'The Stage' - being the meeting point between the local community and the student community, The Arts Faculty Zone - flexible teaching space, The Technology Faculty Zone, The Business Zone - flexible incubator space, The Growth Zone - flexible teaching space, The Home Zone and The Ecology Zone - providing an opportunity to tie all the strands of environmental initiatives across the site into a new teaching facility. The 'Village Square' outside 'The Stage' provides a focus for the student community, the local community and staff to enjoy a more intimate public space contrasting with the openness of the Racecourse on the opposite side. The Stage becomes the link between these two spaces with permeability, accessibility and soft boundaries bringing people together in an exciting covered space with galleries, cinema, reception, restaurant and cafes. The phasing of the buildings is designed to create an accessible, sustainable and discreet masterplan that through their size can be constructed gradually or in more accelerated process depending on the funding available.