Open Letter: Build a Better Environment

Dear Dame Breakwell,

I am honoured to be a student at the University of Bath. I work in an environment surrounded by hundreds of intelligent, like-minded students that amplify the already positive and happy environment here.

This is one of many factors that contribute towards our University being awarded so many high rankings. We are the best University for student satisfaction and the best Campus University.

I am also a final year Architecture student. Our department has been, for the past several years, in the top three Schools of Architecture in the country. The department is home to internationally recognized research in Civil Engineering, Architectural history, and technology.

Our students are some of the best in the world. Some go on to win renowned RIBA President’s Medals. Graduate employment is high, and students report 97% satisfaction.

Yet, I find myself in an environment where there are no world-class buildings. What are the Universities aspirations with regard to building design? Are there any benchmarks against which building design is measured? Most importantly, where are the world-class buildings that should define this campus as the award winning one that it is?

Harry Streuli

4th Year Architecture Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.