Hawkins\Brown and HOK will work together on the designs for the last phase of Cardiff University. Each of the two architectural firms would design one building in the campus; those buildings will provide working space to work on technological innovations and economic growth. The buildings are the latest addition to Cardiff University’s idea of a self-sustainable structure for the students and the whole community. Also, it would bring together researchers, students, investors, and businesses.
Cardiff University – Courtesy of Hawkins\Brown and HOK
This Cardiff City Council aims to bring benefits for all including; researcher spaces, cafes, creative areas, and open public spaces.
“A new campus helps us create opportunities for all,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Colin Riordan. “Our innovation ambitions go beyond the sum of the physical buildings. Cutting-edge research, technology transfer, business development and student enterprise will put ideas to work.”
Cardiff University – Courtesy of Hawkins\Brown and HOK
“Innovation Central is a really exciting project. We’ve worked closely with the university to develop new models for space use and the integration of industrial partners and collaborators in an HE context.” Oliver Milton, Partner at Hawkins/Brown.
This phase is considered as the third phase of addition to the campus, by having the latest one launched in 2013 and opened by the Queen in June.
“Architects Hawkins\Brown and HOK worked on the project alongside site master planners BDP and town planning consultancy DPP.” As stated on Cardiff University online site.
Moreover, a new bridge connecting between the innovation campus and Cardiff Business School will be added to the project in which the work on site will begin in early 2017.
Cardiff University – Courtesy of Hawkins\Brown and HOK
Oliver Milton, the partner at Hawkins\Brown, said: “This has resulted in a very clear design with interactive working spaces organized around a central ‘oculus’ that connects the six storeys. Shared facilities include a Ted-ex auditorium and fabrication lab to trial new manufacturing technologies.”
