Kingston University has submitted planning documents in anticipation for a new building on the Knights Park campus to increase creativity and innovation.
The plans were submitted to Kingston Council in November, providing information and renderings of the proposed scheme and execution.
The architects behind the building are Grafton Architects, who designed Kingston University’s Townhouse, which won the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling prize as Britain’s best new building in 2021. It also landed an EU prize for Contemporary Architecture, the Mies van der Rohe Award, in 2022.
It will have facilities involving new studio-based teaching spaces, lecture theatres, a new cafeteria, specialist art facilities, and enchanted technical spaces.
The University Vice Chancellor Professor, Steven Spier, said: “The proposed building at Middle Mill reflects Kingston School of Art’s success as a world-leading place to study the creative industries.
“At Kingston University, we firmly believe world-class architectural design drives educational innovation and excellence.”
The university wants to ensure sustainability remains a priority within the design and the execution by paying respects to the local environment.
Sustainably-sourced wood and natural clay will be used in combination to mitigate the carbon footprint, as well as homage being made towards natural habitats, maximising spaces for a ‘natural skyline’ and reducing energy consumption.
At Kingston University, we firmly believe world-class architectural design drives educational innovation and excellence
The university has allowed the public to vote on this demand. In August 2024, the institution held a six-week consultation process involving students and staff, neighbouring parties, the local community and those involved within the outer borough, which have been taken into practice.
Plans also accommodate new spaces accessible to the public to benefit local residents.
Local students thought the changes to be positive and beneficial to the university, praising the university for adapting towards their needs and requirements.
Illustration exchange student, Mia Mohan, thought that while the news of the project and its stages could’ve been distributed better, found comfort within the announcement.
“The facilities here are already very good, so it’s nice to hear the university is constantly adapting to changes and while respecting and highlighting the local cultures and habitats,” she said.
“I do feel left in the dark however, this is my first time hearing this. They could’ve been more open with the delivery and results.”
If the plans are approved, the building could be opening in Knights Park by 2030.
Principal Director of Grafton Architects Shelley McNamara commented: “We imagined an architecture which would respect the needs of the existing riverside ecosystem as well as the spatial needs of the University.”
“We know of no other university building so close to such a unique confluence of natural riches and possessing such an otherworldly atmosphere, which is so conducive to study, contemplation, discovery and social delight.”
