A new state-of-the-art Life Sciences building for the University of Sussex, designed by leading architecture practice Hawkins\Brown, has been approved by Brighton & Hove City Council.

The new building remains true to the vision of the university’s founding architect, Sir Basil Spence. Hawkins\Brown’s saw the value of the material palette of existing listed buildings in the site’s context, with the aim to combine this inspiration with modern construction techniques. High quality precast concrete and scalloped brick work express the identity of the building as a world class 21st Century science facility.

Set over five floors, the new development will be built to the highest environmental standards, with green roofs to reflect its South Downs surroundings. Further, the building’s façade is punctuated with generous areas of glazing to connect with the mature downland setting the institution is known for. 

The building’s open plan teaching and research labs are designed to foster a collaborative environment, encouraging molecular biologists, zoologists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists and chemists to carry out research alongside each other to develop new scientific insights. The plans also include four open courtyard spaces and an internal street, which serves as the main point of circulation. 

A new Bio-Innovation Centre will serve as a hub for growing bio-medical businesses, strengthening the university’s partnerships within the industry and creating jobs in the region.

''Hawkins\Brown are delighted that the Life Sciences Building at Sussex has been granted planning permission. This is a major new facility that combines teaching and research under one roof in an integrated, inspiring and innovative way,'' said Oliver Milton, Partner at Hawkins\Brown.

''Locating and designing a 17,800 square-meters landmark building within the listed Basil Spence designed context has been a fascinating challenge that we’ve really enjoyed. We’re now looking forward to working with Sussex to conclude the technical design, procure and deliver the scheme over the next 3 years.''

''Our new state-of-the-art building will ensure that we can continue to produce innovative, world-leading research for decades,'' said Professor Laurence Pearl, Head of the School of Life Sciences.

''The new building will enable our diverse teams of scientists to work more collaboratively alongside each other to make life-changing scientific discoveries.''

The Life Sciences building is part of the University’s overall Campus Masterplan, which was approved by Brighton & Hove City Council in 2015. It is expected that the development will create around 600 new jobs across Brighton, Hove and the wider region.

All images © Brick Visual 

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