Glyndwr University Wales : Images + Information

Dec 2008 Glyndwr University, Wrexham : Winner announced Softroom Architects have been chosen as the architects for the design of new student residences for Glyndwr University, following a two stage RIBA open competition. Winning image by 1AX Architetti Associati image © 1AX Architetti Associati Four practices were invited to make presentations to a jury panel following an open anonymous assessment of over 70 entries from all over the world. Softroom fought off strong competition from Hamiltons Architects Ltd ; 1AX Architetti Associati from Italy and A Studio Ltd. Winning image by AStudio image © AStudio Launched in September this year, the competition set the challenge of designing new student residences to accommodate 500 students as part of a broader strategy to accommodate undergraduates and postgraduates students on the Wrexham campus, and increase the provision for student services. The competition brief specified the University’s intention to procure the internal accommodation based on modular accommodation units. Winning image by Hamiltons Architects Ltd image © Hamiltons Architects Ltd Softroom’s scheme captured the judges’ attention from the outset, presenting a striking image for the University. New buildings splay out from a curving promenade which links them into the heart of the campus. Dramatic mirrored overhangs and slender steel columns create a pattern of covered and open spaces along the route, forming a 21st century interpretation of the traditional university quad. Winning image by Softroom image © Softroom Chris Bagot of Softroom said : “We recognise that the new residences have a clear function for Glyndwr University as a symbol of change and growth. We saw an opportunity to engage with and clarify the existing masterplan to create a new centre of student life on the campus”. Head of Estates at Glyndwr University, Peter Rhodes said “The Jury Panel were unanimous in selecting Softroom Architects as the winner and felt that their scheme offered the best relationship between the existing built environment and realisation of the Estates Masterplan. “The high quality and diversity of the design concepts submitted from all the competing practices clearly showed enthusiasm and commitment in their exploration of the study bedrooms and endeavours in creating flexible space for socialisation.” Softroom will now work closely with the University to develop and refine their competition concept. The final decisions regarding phasing and the overall content of the submission and subsequent build will be subject to internal and external discussions. Glyndwr University Competition - Credits Architect: Softroom Structural Engineer: Eckersley O’Callaghan M&E: Michael Popper Associates Sustainability Consultant: pha consult Fire safety engineer: Fisec Glyndwr University Competition images received from RIBA 221208, text 191208 Previously: Welsh Competition – RIBA 11 Sep 2008 Open International Competition for Glyndwr University, Wrexham The RIBA Competitions Office is launching an International Open Design Competition on behalf of Glyndwr University, Wrexham. The competition seeks designs for new student residences to accommodate 500 students as part of a broader strategy to accommodate undergraduates and graduates on campus and increase the provision for student services. The University’s campus lies on the outskirts of Wrexham and consists of a main campus at Plas Coch and Regent Street and other smaller sites at Yale Business Village, Redwither Towers, Rhosnesni and Gatewen. The University also has a campus in Flintshire, in partnership with the Welsh College of Horticulture. Entrants will be asked to produce design concepts for the accommodation which will include provision for a Student Services Building (The Hub) which is to incorporate a refectory, offices and communal rooms. The University has aspirations for a scheme of the highest architectural quality and practices with exceptional design skills are encouraged to apply. Peter Rhodes, Head of Estates, spoke of his excitement at the launch of the project. He said: “As a new, young university committed to the spirits of enterprise, we felt there would be nothing better than to invite top class architects to help shape the future look of our Wrexham campus. We’re investing heavily in improving on-campus facilities over the next few years and the new student residences is just one part of this project. I’m sure we can look forward to receiving some innovative and inventive designs”. The new residences will be built adjacent to the Student Village, to the north of Glyndwr University’s Plas Coch site, and are scheduled to be ready for use by early spring 2010. The competition brief will be available to download from www.ribaglyndwruniversity.co.uk and the deadline for submission of stage one designs is 31st October 2008.