The Provision of Architectural Design Services for University Sites - 'Heart of Campus' Site Redevelopment

Descriptions

The University of Southampton is developing a ten-year plan of capital investment in its infrastructure and buildings to position itself for the future. A number of projects are under consideration as part of this plan which includes replacement or refurbishment of buildings near the end of their useful life. Much of the main Highfield Campus was built in the 1960s during the post-war expansion of higher education and was appropriately scaled for 4,000 students. Student numbers today exceed 23,000 (albeit over several campuses) which puts considerable pressure on aging facilities, some of which are inadequate, inflexible and inefficient by today's standards, as well as expensive to run. This project, at the geographical centre of the Highfield Campus ("Heart of the Campus") is therefore being considered as a catalyst to provide a new visual and functional focus to the University, to reinvigorate the wider campus and help act as an attractor to students and staff from both the UK and internationally. The project has considerable potential to enhance the student, staff and visitor experience through rethinking of campus pedestrian and vehicular routes and flows, servicing strategies, enhancement of the public realm, and functionality commensurate with the expectations of a leading Russell Group university. Whilst a range of development strategies has been considered, the Architect will be expected to review and respond to these during an initial master planning feasibility stage. This must also consider emerging end-user and operational requirements, site challenges and construction constraints resulting in the development of a masterplan for the Heart of Campus. The proposals must consider and encapsulate both the University's strategy and vision as well as practicalities of delivery. The University therefore wishes to solicit expression of interest from Architects with experience in similar projects for a comprehensive design and development approach to unlock the Heart of Campus. An initial phase of work will be to develop master planning options, identifying project phases, potential impacts on associated buildings and an examination and/or development of project or sub project briefs.