Dundee University Building, East Scotland

University of Dundee - New Teaching Block 2007 Campbell & Arnott Architects NEW TEACHING BLOCK, HEATHFIELD, DUNDEE The new teaching block for the University of Dundee provides a total of 7000 square metres of high quality teaching space available for specific and general University use, and includes 4 auditoria ranging from 120 to 360 seats. The building forms the northern gateway to the University Campus, while its three separate but linked building elements combine to create strong civic forms and define new public spaces, with the main entrance framed by the edges of the new building elements and the glazed link between them. A gently radiused block faces east, providing a hard edge to the University campus, and presenting a continuous sweeping curve to the city, while leading to the main entrance area at the corner of east and south elevations. On the south elevation the general teaching space building is rectilinear, with a dramatic oversail to its east end creating a partly covered main entrance area. A stainless steel mesh screen sits in front of the floor to ceiling glazing on the upper levels. This serves a practical function by eliminating glare and reducing solar gain from the teaching spaces while simultaneously maintaining natural light and ventilation. In addition, the play of natural light on the face of the screen will create continuously changing patterns of light and shade. In direct sunlight the reflective surface will appear opaque yet virtually disappear as daylight fades. The spaces behind will animate the facade. photos : Paul Zanre The third block is a drum containing three of the four lecture theatres. The drum acts as a hinge, physically separating the main blocks of the building while resolving the angles created by the shape of the site The new building is a contemporary design of the highest quality with a restrained palette of quality materials comprising polished masonry, smooth acrylic render, glass and steel and stainless steel woven mesh. It is a gateway development designed and constructed to the match the highest aspirations of both the University and the City. - Best Commercial/Public Building Award - Dundee Institute of Architecture 'This year a building appeared that stood clear from the competition and provided a strong statement and powerful edge to an established master plan. The carefully composed entrance allowed a successful transition of the buildings 'street' from inside to outside. It was further agreed that the spaces created between this building and its neighbours had been handled successfully creating new and attractive pedestrian access routes through, and social interaction spaces within, the Heathfield campus area'. Dundee Institute of Architects Assessors Report. 'The new building has proved to be a great success since it opened last year. Feedback from both staff and students has been really positive; the state-of-the-art lecture rooms, generous social spaces and low-energy environment have received particular praise'. G.E.Davies Estates Director University of Dundee Teaching Block images / information from Campbell & Arnott Architects