Between 2018 and 2019 UNStudio, along with their collaborators, won the bid for designing the new extension at UCA Epsom in the UK. This extension constitutes the Business School for the Creative Industries; spread across an area of about 3,734 m sq, it has been imagined to supplement the existing facility by providing dedicated spaces for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. In alignment with the UNStudio’s vision of ‘Future-proofing the future,’ and commitment to creating user-centric designs that are versatile, durable, and adaptable to changing circumstances, this project embodies these objectives in different ways.
The design emerged through a collaborative effort between UNStudio (Design Vision) and John Robertson Architects (Local Design Partner), along with the expertise of Grant Associates (Landscape Architect), Atelier Ten (Building Services Engineering, Environmental Design, Lighting Design, Fire Engineering), and AKT II (Structure and Facade Engineering).
The ‘Salon of Enlightenment’: A Paradigm for 21st Century Education
The design of the new Business School is driven by the goal of fostering interaction and collaboration across the campus while also breaking down the traditional hierarchical boundaries between faculty and students. Taking inspiration from historical ‘salon’ gatherings, the design seeks to create an environment that encourages open dialogue, exchange of ideas, and mutual influence among all stakeholders. By embracing this concept, the Business School aims to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that promotes dynamic engagement and supports the development of creative and innovative minds.
“Salons provided fascinating opportunities for debate for intellectuals from all walks of life. Artists, scientists, philosophers, and politicians; all gathered to debate the concerns of their time, cross-fertilizing and mutually influencing each other’s ideas along the way. Facilitating such exchange of ideas forms the core of the design for the new Business School.” – Ben van Berkel (of UNStudio at a press conference.)
The Fireplace: The Singular Focal Point
At the heart of the extension, the Fireplace serves as the primary focal point, encompassing the fundamental essence of the University for the Creative Arts. The Fireplace acts as a central hub for gathering; this space not only defines the university’s new social and knowledge-sharing nucleus but also serves as a unifying link that connects all existing and newly constructed elements. This Fireplace is combined with a raised circulation ring that bridges the gap between the current campus and the new buildings, fostering a distinct functional integration and serving as a vibrant social anchor. This elevated ring facilitates seamless movement and provides a platform for campus events and informal learning, creating an engaging stage for the university community.
Fluid Connectivity: Nurturing Collaborative Spaces
Drawing inspiration from the UCA campus history and the tactile nature of the creative works produced, the design is characterised by a fluid composition of soft, island-like volumes. These volumes harmoniously combine in a flexible arrangement, with interconnected pathways of general circulation linking the diverse programmes. Instead of creating isolated spaces, these pathways consistently embrace natural light, infusing vitality throughout.
The circulation areas transcend their role as mere connectors and become an extension of the functions they serve. Recognising the dynamic shifts in education’s role, methodologies, and principles, the design creates spaces that can be easily regenerated, merged, and adapted to meet the ever-changing needs of the users. By embracing adaptability, the design ensures an environment that reflects the evolving nature of education and encourages innovation, flexibility, and collaboration.
Biophilic Design Approach: Enhancing Wellbeing and Connection
One of the fundamental principles underpinning UNStudio’s design philosophy is prioritising the health and well-being of students and staff. Biophilic design strategies have been integrated throughout the project to achieve this, seamlessly blending natural elements into the built environment. The boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces have been intentionally blurred by incorporating sunlit pathways, covered courtyards, and internal gardens.
The design features a glass facade for the courtyard, allowing the garden’s lush greenery to extend and thrive within the interior areas, creating a harmonious and rejuvenating atmosphere. These deliberate design choices aim to create a nurturing and inspiring environment that promotes the holistic well-being of everyone within the school community.
Sustainable Identity: Natural Materials and Circular Design
UNStudio’s proposal embraces a user-centred design approach, prioritising exceptional learning and creative arts experiences while minimising environmental impact and promoting lean building design. This approach’s core are key principles encompassing occupant health and well-being, multifunctionality to optimise space usage, future-proofed energy and water infrastructure, flexibility and adaptability for evolving needs, and smart building and learning technologies. The facility predominantly employs materials sourced from renewable, carbon-neutral origins, prioritising flexibility and reusability. By integrating these principles, the design aims to achieve optimal outcomes that enhance productivity, foster well-being, and ensure sustainability.
The design of the Business School for the Creative Industries at UCA Epsom showcases a visionary approach to education, sustainability, and human-centric design. The project creates an environment that fosters interaction, collaboration, and adaptability by integrating historical inspiration, such as the ‘Salon of Enlightenment,’ and utilising innovative concepts like the central Fireplace and fluid connectivity. By prioritising occupant health and well-being, incorporating biophilic design strategies, and embracing sustainable practices, the Business School embodies a holistic approach that enhances learning experiences while minimising environmental impact. This extension is a testament to UNStudio’s commitment to ‘future-proofing the future’ and creating spaces that inspire creativity, innovation, and a sense of community.
References:
Aasa (2019) Unstudio wins competition for Business School for the Creative Industries at UCA Epsom, aasarchitecture. Available at: https://aasarchitecture.com/2019/07/unstudio-wins-competition-for-business-school-for-the-creative-industries-at-uca-epsom/ (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Baldwin, E. (2019) Unstudio wins competition for Creative Industries Business School in the UK, ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/919959/unstudio-wins-competition-for-creative-industries-business-school-in-the-uk (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Business School for the creative industries (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
myers, lynne (2019) Unstudio is chosen to build a new business school for creative industries in the UK, designboom. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/unstudio-business-school-for-the-creative-industries-epsom-uk-07-11-2019/#:~:text=the%20international%20architecture%20practice%2C%20UNStudio%2C%20has%20won%20a,translation%20of%20traditional%20%E2%80%98salon%20of%20the%20enlightenment%E2%80%99%20gatherings (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Rizou, A. (ed.) (2019) Business School for the creative industries: Unstudio, Archisearch. Available at: https://www.archisearch.gr/architecture/business-school-for-the-creative-industries-unstudio/ (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Wang, L. (no date) Unstudio wins bid to design new “future-proofed” Business School at UCA …, inhabitat. Available at: https://inhabitat.com/unstudio-wins-bid-to-design-new-future-proofed-business-school-at-uca-epsom/ (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Images:
Business School for the creative industries (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Concept Activation and Connectivity (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Educational Climates (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Concept Transition and Integration (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Concept Themed Space and Sequence (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Concept Active Landscape (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
UCA Epson Site Plan (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Spatial Sequence Icons (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
Sustainability Diagram (no date) UNStudio. Available at: https://www.unstudio.com/en/page/11718/business-school-for-the-creative-industries (Accessed: 11 June 2023).
