Huddersfield University awards Barbara Hepworth Building design brief

The University of Huddersfield has contracted AHR to draft a design brief for the £30M Barbara Hepworth Building – a brand new home for the School of Art, Design and Architecture.

Named in recognition of the renowned West Yorkshire-born sculptor, the 7,500sq m Barbara Hepworth Building will stand five storeys tall and carefully complement the picturesque Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

The appointment is of little surprise. AHR has carried out a string of new build and refurbishment projects in previous years. Among them the award-winning £28M Oastler Building, which was officially unveiled by HRH The Duke of York in April 2017.

Designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, the Barbara Hepworth Building represents a significant first step towards the redevelopment of the Queen Street South region – to be known as Western Campus. Cutting edge design and construction studios will be incorporated alongside fine art studios, CAD computer laboratories, lecture rooms, research space, a library and cafe.

“The University of Huddersfield is investing heavily in its estate, creating world-class facilities for students and staff,” said Anthony Langan, AHR Director and Education Sector Lead. “We are proud to once again be working with the University on another iconic building.

“This will be a dynamic building which reflects the artistic and innovative work of the departments based within it. At the creative heart of the new campus, it will also complement the natural environment around the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the industrial heritage of the Spärck Jones Building.”

Colin Blair, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of Huddersfield, added: “Our commitment to ensuring our students have the best possible environment for their studies is at the heart of our estates strategy. The Barbara Hepworth Building continues this tradition and we are delighted to be working with AHR again on this project.”

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