Designed and built in tune with a new wing for the Albert Sloman library, the new student centre and a new lakeside square create an important new front door to the University. Set to be the largest new building on the campus since 1965 it will provide an integrated learning centre, student media centre, one-stop-shop for student’s facility and a board room for the University Council.
Resting on a deck of stone at the edge of a lake, three oversailing layers of horizontal trays cast from in-situ concrete create a strong sense of perspective against the rhythm of the Library columns.
Working closely within the context of the existing Albert Sloman library, the 1960’s campus infrastructure and the heritage parkland setting, this design shows the importance of context and programme to conceive flexible design resonating with a sense of place and setting.
Completed in July 2015, this is our third project for the university following the completion of the Albert Sloman new library wing in 2015 and the Ivor Crewe lecture hall in 2007.
The building is obviously extremely popular, well loved by students and staff and was fully occupied during the jury’s visit - they were left wondering what the students did before the building was open. 2016 RIBA Awards jury
Patel Taylor have created two amazing buildings – a new library wing and students services building – that are an absolutely perfect complement to our existing iconic mid-century architecture. We couldn’t be more pleased.
Professor Anthony Forster, Vice-Chancellor, University of Essex
