Triple RIBA Award Win for School of Architecture

The University of Wolverhampton’s School of Architecture and Built Environment has scooped a hattrick of awards at this year’s West Midlands Regional Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards.  

Partners involved in the project were recognised with the presentation of three awards including Project Architect of the Year, Client of the Year and a Regional RIBA Award. 

Regional Award winners will be considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award in recognition of their architectural excellence, the results of which will be announced in the summer. 

The School of Architecture and Built Environment is one of nine buildings shortlisted for this year’s Regional Awards and has already been the recipient of numerous accolades since its completion. It was awarded the Conservation & Rejuvenation award at the Constructing Excellence Awards and the Pagabo framework provider named the project as its ‘best project above £15m’.  

The £45 million project, located on the site of a Grade II listed former brewery at the University’s flagship £120 million brownfield regeneration site, Springfield Campus, also sat amongst an international field of finalists in the highly coveted Architects Journal Awards in the Building of the Year category.  

The new School is having a significant impact on the University community, providing a live case-study for the school’s students, demonstrating best practice in bringing together contemporary and historic architecture. It will also act as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration in not just the immediate area but the city as a whole.  

The judges’ comments shed light on the outstanding features of the project. They highlighted how ‘the architects successfully blended the site’s rich heritage with a vision for the future’ commending ‘the commitment of both the client and the architect in reinventing the historic building, creating a dynamic facility that encourages collaborative work’. Furthermore, Project Architect of the Year, Jonathon Dawson-Bowman, was recognised for his ‘passion, knowledge, and in-depth understanding of the project during his presentation to the judges’. 

The RIBA Journal said: “The transformation of the former brewery demonstrates the vision, courage, and commitment of the University and Associated Architects. The project showcases exemplary architectural design that pays tribute to the site’s history and industrial heritage, resulting in a learning facility that seamlessly integrates the past and the present. 

“The recognition received by Associated Architects and the University of Wolverhampton is a testament to their remarkable achievements and dedication to architectural excellence. With the project now progressing to the national RIBA Awards 2023, the team’s success is poised to continue, and the inspiring work highlighted with these awards will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for future”. 

Richard Perry, Director at Associated Architects, said: “We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive three prestigious RIBA awards for our work on the University of Wolverhampton School of Architecture and the Built Environment.  

“These accolades, including the Regional RIBA Award, Client of the Year, and Project Architect of the Year, acknowledge the extraordinary dedication and talent of our team. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating innovative and impactful designs that seamlessly blend heritage and contemporary architecture. We are immensely proud to have contributed to the University community and the city. This triple win is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our clients, consultants, and the entire project team.” 

The new School of Architecture and Built Environment offers specialist teaching and social learning spaces, design studios, specialist labs, multi-disciplinary workshops, lecture theatre, cafe, offices, meeting rooms, ICT rooms and a top floor super studio with double height ceilings.   

The School offers a variety of courses that support skills in architecture, construction, civil engineering, building control, building services, facilities management, quantity surveying, planning, construction management, housing and commercial.   

Home to the Thomas Telford University Technical College (UTC), the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, and the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills, the regeneration of the former Springfield Brewery is central to the University’s vision of enhancing the student experience and supporting business growth. It is also home to the University’s new National Brownfield Research Institute for which the University recently secured £14.9 million funding from the BCLEP through the government’s Get Building Fund.  

Anyone interested in courses being offered at Springfield Campus should check out the website or register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.     

ENDS