University of Sussex Life Sciences Building, English Project, News, Design, Architecture Image
University of Sussex Life Sciences Building
Education Facility Development, southern England, UK – design by Hawkins\Brown, Architects
15 Feb 2017
University of Sussex Life Sciences Building by Hawkins\Brown
Architects: Hawkins\Brown
Location: Sussex, England
Hawkins\Brown’s University of Sussex Life Sciences Building Given Green Light
A new state-of-the-art Life Sciences building for the University of Sussex, designed by leading architecture practice Hawkins\Brown, has been approved by Brighton & Hove City Council.
The new building remains true to the vision of the university’s founding architect, Sir Basil Spence. Hawkins\Brown’s saw the value of the material palette of existing listed buildings in the site’s context, with the aim to combine this inspiration with modern construction techniques. High quality precast concrete and scalloped brick work express the identity of the building as a world class 21st Century science facility.
Set over five floors, the new development will be built to the highest environmental standards, with green roofs to reflect its South Downs surroundings. Further, the building’s façade is punctuated with generous areas of glazing to connect with the mature downland setting the institution is known for.
The building’s open plan teaching and research labs are designed to foster a collaborative environment, encouraging molecular biologists, zoologists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists and chemists to carry out research alongside each other to develop new scientific insights. The plans also include four open courtyard spaces and an internal street, which serves as the main point of circulation.
A new Bio-Innovation Centre will serve as a hub for growing bio-medical businesses, strengthening the university’s partnerships within the industry and creating jobs in the region.
Oliver Milton, Partner at Hawkins\Brown said:
“Hawkins\Brown are delighted that the Life Sciences Building at Sussex has been granted planning permission. This is a major new facility that combines teaching and research under one roof in an integrated, inspiring and innovative way.
Locating and designing a 17,800m2 landmark building within the listed Basil Spence designed context has been a fascinating challenge that we’ve really enjoyed.
We’re now looking forward to working with Sussex to conclude the technical design, procure and deliver the scheme over the next 3 years.”
Professor Laurence Pearl, Head of the School of Life Sciences, said:
“Our new state-of-the-art building will ensure that we can continue to produce innovative, world-leading research for decades.”
“The new building will enable our diverse teams of scientists to work more collaboratively alongside each other to make life-changing scientific discoveries.”
The Life Sciences building is part of the University’s overall Campus Masterplan, which was approved by Brighton & Hove City Council in 2015.
It is expected that the development will create around 600 new jobs across Brighton, Hove and the wider region.
University of Sussex Life Sciences Building images / information received 150217
Location: Sussex, England, UK
Sussex Buildings – Selection
Chichester Regional Museum
Design: Keith Williams Architects
picture from architecture practice
Chichester District Museum
Eastbourne Cultural Centre, Eastbourne
Design: Rick Mather Architects
picture from architect practice
Towner Art Gallery
Peasmarsh House, East Sussex
Design: Hut Architecture
picture from architect office
East Sussex house
East Beach café, West Sussex
Design: Heatherwick Studio
photo : Andy Stagg
Littlehampton Building
De La Warr Pavilion, East Sussex
Royal Alexandra Hospital Brighton
Comments / photos for the University of Sussex Life Sciences Building – New English Architecture page welcome
Website: Hawkins\Brown
