In pictures: FCB Studios unveil student hub at University of Staffordshire

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Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

Catalyst Building

Source: Dan Hopkinson

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Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios have completed the £40m Catalyst Building at the University of Staffordshire. It will function as a hub, providing services designed to support students through their education and towards future employment.

The building is part of a new generation of university facilities that seek to combine a range of functions in one place. It has been designed to be future-proofed, with a flexible layout that anticipates future changes in education. 

Hugo Marrack, partner at FCB Studios said: “As far as possible this building has been designed to prepare for, or even invite, the ‘unknown’ brief of the 21^st century. The idea is to let the building evolve with the pedagogy and let the users get on with how it is used.”

The buillding provides different environments for different social, academic and engagement activities. Different tempos of activity are catered for, with areas becoming quieter and more specialised as occupants rise through the four floors of the building.

Internally, a mix of exposed concrete frame, with timber linings, acoustic panels and carefully chosen furniture helps create a series of relaxed spaces. A café and event facilities are located on the ground floor, with a library, study spaces and a dedicated area for apprentices on the upper floors.

The Catalyst is seen as key to shaping the future of the univerty’s campus. The building is located in the centre of Stoke-on-Trent. It is intended to provide a focus for connections between the university and industry. The university’s apprenticeship and business school programmes will use the Catalyst Building as a first point of call for employers coming to work with students and apprentices.

The building was designed in tandem with the concept masterplan, also by FCB Studios. Material choices were made with reference to the local context. Externally Staffordshire blue and red brick has been used.

New landscaping forms natural spill-out areas and additional social spaces on campus. Future initiatives to extend the landscaping to create wildflower meadows, a pond and a linear woodland garden will be part of the next phases of campus development.

Low energy and water use were key priorities for the design team, in line with the university’s net-zero targets. Photovoltaic panels on the roof will generate an estimated 200MWh of electricity a year. Materials and components were selected to minimise waste, for example through the use of prefabrication and pre-construction.