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Originating as a standalone student centre, the concept was developed to more fundamentally and visibly connect the existing campus, and in doing so provide a suite of internal and external spaces of the highest quality, as befits the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s academic status.
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The building is principally of a hybrid insitu and precast concrete construction. Structural materials, in particular concrete, are integral to the appearance and environmental performance of the building. These are placed alongside and in contrast with other, largely self-finished materials.
Ambition for architectural quality derived from the brief. Rigorous review was undertaken, including by the South East Regional Design Panel as part of the Planning process. Functional quality was addressed similarly, a consultation and briefing process included meeting with the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Environmental Group. Close coordination among a design team incorporating specialist consultants addressed these ambitions. 48
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Off-site manufacturing was used where appropriate. A unitised facade system allowed dimensional accuracy, environmental performance, and speed of construction. Full size mock-ups of concrete frame and facade elements allowed quality to be assessed and improved prior to fabrication. A full time on-site consultant team, the main contractor and specialist subcontractors worked closely to develop and coordinate subcontractor design. In conjunction with the NEC3 contract this organisation allowed timely identification and resolution of issues.
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