CONSTRUCTION


University of Sheffield - The Diamond

Modern architects working in historic locations must come up with innovative solutions to make their designs fit their environments, often integrating design elements that bridge the gap between their buildings and much older structures nearby.
8 February, 2016
In the historic heart of Vienna, for example, venerated Austrian architect Hans Hollein solved the challenge of building across from the city's ancient Stephansdom cathedral by coming up with an ultra-modern glass-and-metal structure (his "Haas Haus") whose mirrored façade would reflect its venerated neighbor and honor the historic setting instead of upsetting it.

Tasked with designing a new facility for engineering students at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, the team at London-based Twelve Architects hit upon a similar solution. Like Hollein, the desire to mesh with the historic St. George's Church across the street inspired a truly distinctive concept (centered around an aluminium lattice frame) that earned the building its name: The Diamond.

The Diamond, which opened in September 2015 at a price tag of £81 million, is a 19,500 square meter building which is home to specialist engineering laboratories, lecture halls, teaching spaces, workshops, a resource center, and study areas which can accommodate up to 5,000 students. The range of facilities available allows it to support the "full spectrum of engineering," according to Twelve Architects, from science to practice.

The anodized aluminium and glass façade of the building is designed to reflect the tracery of St. George's Church, as well as alluding to the "cellular automation" engineering model in which steel's microstructure changes during processing.
The Diamond. Photos by Architecture.com
Characterized by interconnected "diamonds" of various sizes, the façade's aluminium sections are fitted together in front of the building's glass cladding and expands where windows needed to be added for light. The windows on the building's south side are smaller so as to prevent excessive solar gain, with the aluminium providing additional solar shading.

While the design of the façade has been intricately planned to regulate the amount of light from outside, the interior of the building encourages much greater transparency and visibility. Visitors standing in the central atrium of the building can see directly into the work being done in the laboratories, which include a fluid dynamics facility as well as a virtual reality suite. As Twelve Architects director Matt Cartwright explains: "Maximising the visual connection between the laboratories and the atrium showcases the range of activities and also supports the ethos of the building to promote collaboration and cross-disciplinary working."
The external appearance creates a distinctive presence and brand for the building. The windows have been carefully positioned to provide good quality daylight into the laboratories and library spaces, whilst also framing key external views."
Matt Cartwright
Director, Twelve Architects
The £81 million the University of Sheffield spent on the new facilities represents its largest-ever capital investment in teaching and learning. In addition, the new building is projected to create over 500 jobs and contributed £44.5 million to the local economy between construction and the first year of operation. In years to come, The Diamond will continue to contribute £21 million annually.

Photo by Billington Structures
The Diamond really will be the jewel in the crown, not only for the University itself, but also for the city. It will play a huge part in positioning Sheffield as the destination of choice for our future engineers, with the University working closely alongside industry to support the development of the skills and innovation which are so essential to our economic success. I know how important The Diamond is to the future growth and development of the University and it's great to see this fantastic new building taking shape
Paul Blomfield, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Central