The Kent Design & Development Awards 2018 shortlists have been announced, and B&M have two schemes that have made it through to the finals.
The Sibson Building, is a new 8,000m2 building, for University of Kent, which combines the university’s Business School and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (SMSAS), allowing them to expand and improve their current activities. The building incorporates innovative teaching environments, academic workspace and open-plan research space, creating 21st century interactive social learning areas.
The building is designed in a distinctive ‘W’ shape and presents an impressive visual impact, helping to combine the two schools, whilst allowing them to have their own dedicated learning spaces. The ground floor has an outstanding central atrium and hosts lecture theatres, seminar spaces, a Bloomberg suite, café and social learning spaces. The natural light shines in to the top-lit atrium providing a bright and welcoming entrance area which acts as a great meeting space for students to study or socialise; this is not only for the two schools whose home is in the building, but also the wider university campus.
The Sibson Building aims to become a world leader that attracts students and academics from around the world. The University continues to invest in new facilities for students. As each new academic year starts, the intake of the Kent Business School and the SMSAS are expected to rise, providing a catalyst for the overall master plan of the university.
The overall vision of the project has brought nature into all the lecture theatres and teaching spaces. This provides a unique learning environment, as the view looking out to the woods beyond change with the seasons, giving both contemplative and calming areas to study in.
