Durham University’s world-renowned Business School is one of an elite group of UK Schools with Triple Accreditation. Its pre-existing facilities were, however, in need of expansion and modernisation, and GSSArchitecture were commissioned to design this new facility.
The design accommodates a full range of academic operations from undergraduate and postgraduate study to corporate functions and management training. The development includes an iconic, fully-glazed extension to improve the façade and create improved circulation flow. The curved nature of the extension provides informal areas, allowing users to interact, and the circulation routes help to create engaging space, which promotes movement and activity.
The new feature corridor space is served by a natural ventilation system, based on stack vent principles. A holistic approach to sustainability was at the heart of this project with the target set at BREEAM Excellent. This was a challenge, given the established nature of the site, but the team took a very proactive attitude to achieve the available credits through a range of design features, including significant inclusion of various LZCT’s.
