Inviting, inclusive and innovative – that was our brief for Digital Nottingham, a new hub for the University of Nottingham, designed as part of strategic initiative to unite the best minds in data science and digital transformation. We responded with a competition design for a flagship building that would anchor Nottingham’s digital quarter and promote collaboration between university researchers and local businesses – a welcoming centre for students, researchers and the public alike.
Our design adapts to the geometry of the city-centre site, creating a striking form that incorporates a rotunda housing a state-of-the-art Digitarium. The ground floor features legible, light-filled public spaces, including a cafe and exhibition areas, with academic facilities and flexible office spaces above, all digitally equipped for collaboration. These civic, educational and corporate levels are connected by a striking atrium – a cascading thread of double-height spaces with a digital wall running its full height, incorporating interactive screens and remote learning equipment to engage visitors and stimulate exchange.
Our proposal champions biodiversity and wellbeing, with terraces, green ledges and a spectacular roof garden that can support a range of events and activities. It’s also highly adaptable to respond to future shifts in technology and pedagogy.
With its uniquely collaborative facilities and strong digital core, our proposal reflects the university’s commitment to research, civic engagement, business incubation and corporate partnership.
A cutting-edge university hub in Nottingham’s new digital quarter
