Loughborough University Business School and Economics Building

ABK Architects, Leicestershire, 1998

 

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Loughborough University’s new business school and economics building, designed by Ahrends Burton & Koralek, respects and completes the existing campus architecture, yet distinguishes itself in its architectural expression 

Dennis Gilbert (website)     Download Original

  • Loughborough University’s new business school and economics building, designed by Ahrends Burton & Koralek, respects and completes the existing campus architecture, yet distinguishes itself in its architectural expression    
  •     
  • Northern façade of the business school: the northern elevations are terracotta render to relate to adjacent buildings.     
  • Southerly façades are cream to reflect the heat of the summer sun    
  • The curved plan alleviates the monotony of the central corridor    
  • The turquoise wedge contains vertical circulation and common parts    
  • Continuous strip windows to the north-east elevation of the management development centre suggest the larger volumes in this part of the building    
  • The regular rhythm of square windows reflects the cellular layout, and deep recesses reflect the architect’s original choice of a heavy blockwork form    
  • Dramatic views from the interface between the two blocks offer a constant reminder of the plan form    
  • ABK has reinstated a convincing threshold to the campus, respecting the height and scale of existing buildings without aping them    
  • Ground floor plan    
  • First floor plan    
  • Second floor plan    
  • Section A-A    
  • Section B-B    
  • Key section and cut-away isometric at base of wall    
  • Detail section through external wall    

Teaching and administrative facilities with a distinctive curved facade within a university campus

The three-storey curved linear block of the business school with central corridor and two banks of cellular office-type accommodation has a commanding presence over playing fields to the south east.

A straight block of similar sectional organisation is placed at right angles to the business school, forming the department of economics. This building divides the site into defined areas of car parking and soft landscape. The elevated site is accentuated by an earth mound along the entire curved elevation to the business school.

The two blocks are pulled apart to form an interface to accommodate a common entrance lobby, main stair, lift, and toilets.

To the north, elevations are terracotta, a gesture to the adjacent brick ‘academic tudor’, while to the south the strong yellow ochre hue of the curved wall dramatically responds to strong sunlight. This theme is successfully extended by a bright-turquoise central core.

Data

  • Begun: Oct 1996
  • Completed: Jan 1998
  • Floor area: 4,010m2
  • Sector: Education
  • Procurement: JCT 81 with contractor's design
  • Address: Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom

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