As part of a development framework for Leeds Metropolitan University, Sheppard Robson has designed the ‘Rose Bowl’ – a new business school for the University on a site adjacent to the Grade II listed Civic Hall and Millennium Square. The 12,000m² scheme comprises teaching spaces, lecture theatres, offices, a restaurant and retail outlets and is located on an existing car park.

Design & Innovation:

The ‘Rose Bowl’ lecture theatre pod sits at the heart of the complex holding one 250-seat, two 140-seat and four 60-seat theatres, and is clad in triangulated bolt-fixed reflective glass panels. A series of bridges cross a semi-public atrium, day lit by a high level structural glazed rooflight, linking the lecture theatres to the four-storey main floorplates housing offices and ancillary teaching spaces.

The building incorporates a two-storey underground car park and is surrounded by a high quality hard landscape scheme to enhance the public realm. The treatment of the elevation and the scale of the new school respond to the architectural rhythm of the hall and are clad in stone, translucent and transparent glass and pressed metal spandrel panels.

Responding to client aspirations, the proposed development integrates the University with the wider context of its location and orientates the campus towards Leeds city centre