The Education Estates awards recognise excellence in the education built environment and both shortlisting’s reflect the successes that the Practice is experiencing in pushing innovation within the education sector. The £33m Spark Building is conceived as an academic hub and showcase for excellence in learning, teaching, research, innovation and student achievement.

The ‘game-changing’ design of this 10,000 sq m, BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated building promotes interdisciplinary activity and collaboration; enabling staff and students to see and share their learning and teaching experiences, knowledge and research. Key features including the Pod, the theatre steps below, the open galleries, projecting balconies, bridges, the pristine white screen walls, ‘super-graphics’ illustrating the University’s specialisms and sunlight entering via the linear roof lights combine to give the atrium a dynamic, engaging and uplifting character.

The winners will be announced at the in Education Estates Awards Dinner which take place on 1 November 2017 at the Mecure Hotel in Manchester.