We are delighted that our New Science Building at the University of East Anglia has been shortlisted in the RICS Social Impact Awards 2020.

Discovery through personal encounter is the DNA of The New Science Building, which enables 1,600 staff and students to engage with science in new ways, providing state-of-the-art teaching laboratories across four storeys including an 890m² chemistry and pharmacy ‘super lab’ capable of accommodating 140 students simultaneously as well as social learning space.

The atrium provides the focus for a variety of spaces for collaborative, social and personal learning that complement the more formal teaching spaces of the labs and classrooms. These enrich the learning experience by providing students with flexibility and choice of a range of venues for informal learning and study.
Internally, soft seating and touch-down spaces are available along the generous corridors, in the foyers at the entrance to each of the labs and around the landings of the atrium; providing individual and group study spaces. Each area benefits from a high degree of connectivity and AV provision as well as variety in seating and workstations to facilitate informal talks and presentations. These spaces have also been designed for use as a pop-up library during revision periods.
At the heart of the atrium, an 80 seat ‘elephant steps’ auditorium provides a venue for informal lectures and performance as well as social learning space to encourage collaboration and discussion.

Accessibility was a key driver from the outset. Over 8% of students at the University of East Anglia have a declared disability. The new Science Building is the first building on the campus which has been designed in accordance with the UEA Accessible Design Guide, developed by the Estates Team with University’s “Access All Areas Network” formed which included staff and student representatives.

Professor Mark Searcey, Pro Vice Chancellor Science at UEA said:
“With its spectacular atrium, where students can chat and work together, and its beautifully designed laboratories, the New Science Building at UEA really enhances the student experience in the teaching of science across all our subjects. Undoubtedly, these excellent facilities will attract more students to our courses and will allow us to develop new and exciting approaches to science teaching. The flexibility of the laboratory designs will enable us to vary from small group to large class teaching and we will be able to support our students through the enhanced audio-visual capabilities that are apparent throughout the building. This is a UK leading science laboratory teaching building that will lead to happier students and happier lecturers!”