Locksbrook Campus shortlisted for RIBA award

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Locksbrook Campus shortlisted for RIBA Regional Awards 2020

Bath Spa University’s new Locksbrook Campus has been shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA Regional Awards 2020, which recognises buildings across the UK that have made a significant contribution to architecture.

Originally designed in 1976 by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw for Herman Miller, the American furniture manufacturers, the new Locksbrook Campus is a multimillion-pound, state-of-the-art campus that offers art and design students enviable educational facilities, including flexible studio spaces, workshops and open areas designed to foster creativity and collaborative working.

Bath Spa University worked with global design practice Grimshaw and construction firm, Willmott Dixon to ensure many historical features were kept in the redesign, including maintaining its Grade-II listed status.  

Dr Dan Allen, Head of Art at Bath Spa University, said: “We’re thrilled that our landmark Locksbrook Campus has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. It truly is a stunning building where students can hone their skills and flourish in a modern and well-thought-out space; it’s an incredible achievement for us all.

“We talk a lot about ‘thinking through making’, so right from the outset, we placed students and their creative practice at the centre of the design. Positioning the impressive workshop facilities in the heart of the building provides focused support from specialist art and design technicians and the ability for students to move seamlessly between materials and processes.”

Ben Heath, Principal at Grimshaw, commented: “It’s a great honour to be shortlisted for the RIBA Regional Awards. We worked closely with staff and students at Bath Spa during this project to understand how a new space could enhance teaching and learning opportunities and we couldn’t be more pleased with the way it turned out. The existing listed building’s design principle resonated perfectly with the University’s ethos, delivering an open and collaborative environment, but above all a flexible space which will continue to adapt to its user’s future needs.”

In addition to providing a vibrant, innovative space for students, the building also adds to the city and wider regional creative spaces. Since opening in October 2019, it has been used by organisations including Arts Council England and Bath’s Holburne Museum.

The Royal Institute of British Architects is a global professional membership body which drives excellence in architecture to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment.

For more than 50 years, its annual awards have been championing and celebrating projects of architectural significance. Winners of each award category are identified following a judging process which involves physically visiting the shortlisted projects.

This year, due to Covid-19, the judging process is on hold. The winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2020 are now expected to be announced later in the year, with the winning buildings then being considered for the RIBA National Awards 2020.