Architectural practice Sheppard Robson has been appointed by the University of Edinburgh to design its ‘Nucleus Project’.

The ‘Nucleus’ will be the focal point for the strategic redevelopment of the University’s King’s Buildings Campus; providing centralised space for learning and teaching associated with the schools that comprise the College of Science and Engineering.

This phased development will incorporate flexible learning spaces; study areas; lecture theatres; catering outlets; a gym; retail and a student information centre. Integrating into complementary landscaping and infrastructure proposals, this aspirational, world-class facility will be a centralised resource designed to encourage and facilitate collaboration across the various schools.

Internal spaces will be rich with state-of-the-art teaching and learning amenities that can be adapted to suit future needs; creating contemporary facilities that will meet the College of Science and Engineering’s student growth targets; all built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard.

The centralisation of comparable spaces within each school will also release new space within these schools for dedicated/specialised teaching spaces and research, as well as providing opportunities for future expansion.

Luke Thurman, associate at Sheppard Robson, said: “Sheppard Robson in Scotland has continued to build upon our specialism in Higher Education facilities, and our appointment to the University of Edinburgh’s Nucleus Project underlines our ongoing commitment to this sector.

“Coming off the back of our recent win of the refurbishment and extension of the Joseph Black Chemistry building on the same campus, our aim is to work hand in hand with the University to create state-of-the-art facilities that will continue to attract the best minds to study in Scotland.

“Higher Education is a rapidly changing arena that moves with the times perhaps faster than any other sector in terms of its facilities, and the Nucleus Project will reflect and complement the globally-renowned courses on offer at the University of Edinburgh.”