Coventry University, Faculty of Engineering and Computing

Designed by Arup Associates, this landmark development consists of two L-shaped volumes — six‑storey northern block, clad in a striking facade of profiled aluminium panels, and a southern block which has a green, brown and blue ecological roof that supports a variety of plant communities to balance ‘science’ with ‘nature’. At only two‑storeys high, the 'nature' building allows sunlight to pass into the central courtyard between the buildings.

Gillespies designed the public realm surrounding this innovative new learning facility. A high quality urban space responds to the science building’s function and acts as a new gateway space to the Coventry University Campus as a whole. A central south-facing courtyard provides spaces for students to work and socialise, encouraging interaction and idea exchanges across the disciplines.

The concept for this BREEAM ‘Excellent’ building is an illustration of the balance of science and nature, utilising technology to reduce the impact on the natural world.