STEM building
University of Bedfordshire
location | Park Campus, Luton year | 2019 value | £36m size | 6,320m2
This project is the latest in a series that we have designed for the University as a result of the Development Framework that we prepared in 2007. The new STEM building provides 6320m2 of new teaching space, focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, including Pharmaceutical and Chemical Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, and Mechanical Engineering.
It provides new flexible computer laboratories and workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics; while new state of the art laboratories include specialist containment labs, simulation spaces, analytical labs and a clean room facility.
The building also hosts a Science and Engineering Outreach Centre to promote the value of science and engineering to local schools and the wider Bedfordshire community. A highly flexible space is provided at street level that passers-by can see into. A ‘shop window’ for the facility, this space can be used as a lab space for visiting schoolchildren, as teaching space or for events and exhibitions.
The STEM building forms part of a five year investment to re-generate the University’s estates totalling £180m. This included its Postgraduate and CPD centre on the Luton campus, the stunning teaching and learning Gateway building at its Bedford campus, and a seven-floor library in Luton, which opened in 2016.
“Our new £40m STEM building marks the culmination of a huge investment in facilities for our students. At the University of Bedfordshire, we strive to be a leading university for expanding higher education opportunities: inspiring our diverse student body to achieve ambitious goals and broadening understanding and horizons across the communities we engage. The STEM building is a part of our vision for high-level skills growth in Luton and Bedfordshire. It will support the ambitions of regional policymakers to enhance the skills base across Bedfordshire, extending opportunity for local residents and attracting investment to the region.”
“The new STEM building forms the next step in our long term relationship with the University on their campus-wide programme of redevelopment. The design meets not only the current needs of the University but also offers opportunities for future development in both the current subjects offered but more dramatically within the completely new curriculum and departments that the facilities will serve. The building continues the University’s track record in procuring high quality, innovative, sustainable and adaptable facilities, whilst providing a welcoming arrival experience and strong identity on Park Street.”
