The all-steel monocoque construction was designed and completed by renowned architect, AUB alumnus and Honorary Fellow, Professor Sir Peter Cook RA and his office CRAB (Cook Robotham Architectural Bureau) together with the engineers Adams Kara Taylor and the shipbuilding offshoot CIG. Consisting of framed panels that are precisely tailored and fabricated in Germany and subsequently re-assembled, welded and painted on site. This was then treated to create a continuous interior white surface with a grey floor, while the exterior is clad in sleek, curved blue steel. Calcinotto were appointed to provide structural engineering services during construction including the design of the foundations and the complicated temporary works required to accurately construct the steel panels with accuracy.
Not only is it the first purpose-built drawing studio to be constructed at an art school for more than a century, it is also Sir Peter’s first building to be built in the UK.
The Drawing Studio was officially opened on 3rd March 2016 by special guest, the world famous Dame Zaha Hadid who closed her speech with ‘I simply love this building.’
AWARDS:
RIBA National Award 2016
RIBA South West Award 2016
RA Top 10 Maverick Building 2016
Constructing Excellence South West Building Project of the Year 2016
Constructing Excellence South West Innovation Award 2016
Schueco Excellence for Design and Innovation – Judges’ Special Award 2016
Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist 2017
Civic Trust National Award 2017
