Associated Architects has gained planning and listed building consent for the refurbishment of part of the “Aston Webb Building”:http://www.www.associated-architects.co.uk/projects/education/universities/aston-webb-block-c/ at the University of Birmingham. The Aston Webb Buildings were the foundation buildings on the University of Birmingham’s main Campus in 1900. Originally designed by Sir Aston Webb and Ingress Bell, the leaded domes and clock tower are part of the iconic image of the University and have a Grade II* listing placing them in the top 8% of historical buildings in the UK. The proposed project aims to increase the use of the building by students by creating a new lecture theatre, Student Service and Employability Centre.
The project aims to respond to the original design philosophy for the building and opens up a number of key spaces, exposing the original engineered structure and form of the building. A 250 seat lecture theatre sits within the space originally containing a mining and smelting workshop and opening up the Student Services Centre to the roof will also expose the rhythm of the original curved steel trusses. Alongside these spaces the project also provides open plan office accommodation for support staff.
