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Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth Development design by by van Heyningen and Haward architects, England, UK

4 Aug 2009

Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth
Date built: 2009
Design: van Heyningen and Haward Architects

This building houses the internationally rated Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation as well as student and staff catering for the campus, and general purpose teaching spaces. The site is within a conservation area, located between a collection of large ‘stand-alone’ modern University campus buildings to the north, east and west, and low-rise 19th century buildings to the south. It also straddled a section of Portsea’s 17th century fortifications and moat, which required extensive archaeological investigation during construction.

photo : Will Pryce

The University required a building to form the first phase of a masterplan commissioned in 2005, to maximise the development potential of the site by removing a haphazard collection of 1960’s and 70’s University buildings, and reorganise new buildings around a large central square – Richmond Square.

picture : James Gallie

Building One, as it was originally called, was to form the southern edge of Richmond Square. It had to be designed to accommodate this future arrangement, as well as the current arrangement of surrounding buildings, including an existing and unloved 5 storey block where the future square will be.

As such, the new building presents both a ‘front’ and a future ‘front’ on its west and north elevations respectively. Architecturally its role is to set the ‘scene and style’ for the remaining buildings, be cost effective and functional, as well as of a high quality. The location of a double height entrance foyer and new landscaping to Richmond Square is intended to bring new life to the square which is currently a transient place.

photo : Will Pryce

Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation – Building Information

Architect appointment: Nov 2005
Start on site: Aug 2007
Completion: Dec 2008
Client: University of Portsmouth
Contract Value: £6m

Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation Portsmouth images / information from van Heyningen and Haward Architects

Van Heyningen + Hayward Architects

Location: ICG, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire, southern England, UK

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