Engineering Building, Brunel University

Location

London, United Kingdom

Sector

Education
Science & Technology

Size

5,000 m²

Scope

Confidential

Status

Completed

The building is approximately 5,000 m² and contains design studios, administrative and academic offices for the School of Engineering. The key was for the design to deliver maximum flexibility to enable future expansion or reduction of individual spaces to cater for course and curriculum development.

To maximise social interaction, the four storeys of accommodation are centred around a multi-storey atrium linked by a central stair and exhibition spaces.

The external materials are rendered block work and glass while the structure is reinforced concrete. A key feature of the building is the maximisation of natural ventilation and the use of materials from sustainable sources.

A new university’s chancellery is a central part of the design in the form of a double-storey cylindrical element that connects to the atrium to provide break-out space. Externally the cylinder provides an important landmark on the university’s pedestrian spine.