The Curzon Building

The Curzon Building is the second phase of Birmingham City University’s ambitious City Centre Campus masterplan. The RIBA award winning Parkside Building we delivered in 2013 established the new campus and provided a high standard of building for the University and surrounding Eastside area. The Curzon Building was envisioned as a bold ‘front door’ for the University and a landmark development that would stand proudly at the eastern end of the recently redeveloped City Park.

The 25,000sq.m building is home to the faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences, the Birmingham Business School and the University Directorate, as well as a library, catering and student services. A new Student’s Union was created by sensitively redeveloping the Grade II listed Victorian Eagle and Ball public house. This restoration has produced an exciting contrast between the modern academic facilities and the historic pub.

The numerous academic and student services are split over two wings of accommodation that are aligned to Cardigan and Curzon Street and are linked by a central atrium. The Cardigan Street wing contains five storeys, whereas Curzon’s holds six. The internal material and colour palettes enhance the atrium’s high levels of natural daylight to create a bright workspace for students. Lecture theatres, collaborative study areas, breakout spaces and IT stations are spread across the floors, with the entrance being utilised for exhibitions and events.