Science department spans sporting spaces like a skeletal bridge in one linear volume
RIBA National Award winner 2021
RIBA South East Award winner 2021
Office for Metropolitan Architecture for Brighton College
Contract value: £36.7m
GIA: 7,425m2
Cost per m2: £4,943
This building combines sports and science disciplines in one linear volume at the edge of the public school’s playing fields. Here, science classrooms, labs and greenhouse excitingly run above a sports hall, swimming pool, gym and performance space.
Rising on pilotis as it stretches south, its angled spine runs counter to the site’s natural slope and presents a dynamic form to the sports field. On the street elevation, translucent glass and solid grey panels are animated by views of the top floor greenhouse and a whale skeleton hanging beyond a huge picture window. A tapering concrete entrance ramp widens to form a viewing deck to the playing field below. This elevated external space and foyer/café is a welcoming new focus point for the school.
Inside, the fluid circulation connects departments in plan and section, with glazing flooding the building with light and simultaneous views into multiple spaces such as pool, dance hall and science classes. The sports field is ever-present as the backdrop to the whole building. The quality of the facilities in this building are world class; there is so much to engage, challenge and inspire students and staff alike. It is a bold and ambitious project, executed true to the architect’s original concept.
See the rest of the South East winners here
And all the RIBA Regional Awards here
See other RIBA National Awards 2021 winners, Education, here