Designers given chance to shape future look of new university

Architects across the world are being given a unique opportunity to design new state-of-the-art student residences at Glyndŵr University.

Entries are being invited for an Open Design Competition for the new facility which will house 500 students on the University’s Wrexham campus. The competition is being run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of the University.

Peter Rhodes, Head of Estates, spoke of his excitement at the launch of the project. He said: “As a new, young university committed to the spirit of enterprise, we felt there would be nothing better than to invite top class architects to help shape the future look of our Wrexham campus.

“We’re investing heavily in improving on-campus facilities over the next few years and the new student residences is just one part of this project.

“I’m sure we can look forward to receiving some innovative and inventive designs.”

The new residences will be built adjacent to the Student Village, to the north of Glyndŵr University’s Plas Coch site, and are scheduled to be ready for use by early spring 2010.

Part of the brief for architects is to come up with a design which includes provision of a Student Services Building, a planned new food and retail outlet which will service the needs of the increased student population who will be living on campus.

Mr Rhodes said it was important that the new design is as vibrant and welcoming as possible for future Glyndŵr University students.

“The main campus is the heart and soul of everyday student life. We want to give our students as enjoyable and memorable an experience as possible, both in and outside of their studies. New facilities such as the student residences and services building will, we hope, contribute towards us achieving this.

“They will also extend our commitment to minimising damage to the environment. Everything from the concept to the materials used on the building will play a significant role in the University’s long-term sustainability plan.”

The competition is open internationally to registered architects. Initial entries need to be submitted to RIBA by 31 October 2008. Further details on how to apply are available online at www.architecture.com/competitions or by calling the RIBA competitions office on +44 (0)113 234 1335.