University of Exeter : Forum Project, England

28 Oct 2008 Wilkinson Eyre Architects selected for University of Exeter Forum Project Wilkinson Eyre Architects has been selected by the University of Exeter to design the Forum Project - a new 48 million pound centerpiece for its Streatham Campus. Wilkinson Eyre's proposals work with the natural features of Exeters famously hilly main campus, creating a green corridor connecting the Forum with the wider landscape. Central to the scheme is an undulating timber gridshell roof, which shelters and unifies a series of new student-focused spaces within. The fluid form contrasts with the orthogonal brick volumes of the existing buildings on this steeply sloping site, and respects key views across the city to Dartmoor. Stafford Critchlow, Director of Wilkinson Eyre Architects, said: "Our proposals seek to create a new arrival point for the University. The sequence of spaces relate closely to the campus landscape, establishing a new architectural language which is less about placing objects within this landscape and more about an organic response to it." The Forum Project will feature an extended and refurbished Library, new learning spaces, student services, catering and retail outlets, a landscaped plaza and new University reception. The Forum is part of a 450 million capital investment programme which is designed to propel Exeter into the top 10 UK universities by 2012. Mr David Allen, the University's Registrar, said: "The University of Exeter has one of the finest campuses in the world; so it was vitally important to come up with a design which was both iconic and sympathetic to the landscape. Wilkinson Eyre have done a fantastic job of meeting this challenge. I am sure when it is built the Forum will be regarded as one of the finest buildings in the South West." Design work will begin immediately, with completion anticipated by 2012. University of Exeter Forum Project - Design Team Architect: Wilkinson Eyre Architects Client: University of Exeter Structural/Environmental Engineer: Buro Happold Landscape Architect: Hargreaves Value: 48 million pound University of Exeter Forum Project Building images / information received 281008