South East: University of Reading unveils plans for new School of Architecture

The University of Reading has revealed exciting plans for the home of its new School of Architecture.

A significant investment from the University will see the refurbishment of the existing home of the School of Construction Management and Engineering (also known as the ‘Lego building’) on Whiteknights campus.

Students will experience state-of-the art teaching, research and learning facilities. The building will be predominantly open-plan, with a variety of modern collaborative working spaces, providing a creative hub for innovative thinking. The re-imagined structure will also reflect the University’s commitment to sustainable design.

Once complete, the building will also accommodate the University’s School of Construction Management and Engineering, the Department of Art and the Department of Typography & Graphic Communication.

Construction will begin in January 2017, with completion scheduled for December 2018, subject to final confirmation from the University council and planning permission from the relevant local authorities.

Sir David Bell, vice-chancellor, said: “This investment into our new School of Architecture demonstrates our commitment to creating a world-class teaching and learning facility for our students. Our award-winning ‘Lego’ building was built in the 1970s to be a home for the Faculty of Urban and Regional Studies. Its transformation will ensure the University produces architects and designers of the highest calibre.”

The University is welcoming the first cohort of architecture students in September 2016. They will initially be based at the historic London Road campus. Existing buildings will be converted into workshop and studio spaces later this year.

The University is offering a £3,000 a year scholarship to the first cohort of architecture students starting in September 2016.