The striking design for our new Academic Building gained final planning clearance in August.

The building, that will house our Business School, will provide a stunning new ‘front door’ for the campus and a major new landmark on the Lewes Road.

Architects HASSELL have taken their inspiration from the famous ‘murmuration’ of flocks of starlings that gather across the Brighton seafront. This look will be achieved by wrapping the building in a ‘veil’ partly fitted with handmade geometric matt, gloss and semi-gloss tiles that will suggest movement as the light changes.

The overall design is deliberately simple with the emphasis on creating a building that is ‘open for business’ and welcoming and able to showcase the activities taking place inside. Features include a triple-storey atrium providing a social and public performance and exhibition space and café as well as range of flexible teaching and collaborative spaces.

Sustainability is at the heart of the new building which will utilise passive heating and cooling as well as natural ventilation. Solar panels and water collectors will also be installed.

Work on the new building will start in summer 2019 with completion expected in 2021.