The Gateway, Buckinghamshire New University
RMJM were appointed by Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) in 2006 to lead a design team to progress the consolidation of their existing campuses to the Queen Alexandra Road campus in High Wycombe.
Phase 1 of this project represents a new landmark building to accommodate a learning resource centre, a multi-purpose hall, computing teaching space, specialist space for music, drama, dance and multimedia, gymnasiums, a lecture hall, a main reception, supporting administration, social and recreational space on a constrained and sensitive urban site. The vision was to create a sustainable and contemporary building that provides facilities for the whole student body and which contrasts with the existing campus architecture to establish a new and distinctive identity for the University.
The exciting mix of uses reinforces the public nature of the campus and, when combined with the 24/7 access, creates a memorable and appropriate ‘gateway’ building for BNU and High Wycombe consequently raising the expectations and experiences of students, staff and public alike.
The project was tendered through a two-stage design and build procurement route with RMJM novated to lead the selected contractor’s design team. The building was opened to students in September 2009.
Photos © Hufton & Crow
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