Heriot-Watt University Discovery & Innovation Centre Edinburgh, UK

The 5,200m2 teaching and learning facility has been designed to promote collaboration between departments, with an emphasis on ‘Learning Through Making’ in subjects such as Engineering and Computer Science. The development also incorporates a Business Enterprise Zone, which acts as an incubator space for young businesses, forging links with the Heriot-Watt University Research Park.

The design has been shaped to make the most of its green, parkland setting next to the loch at the centre of the campus. The building consists of two teaching blocks that are arranged either side of an atrium. The southern block curves to address the water whilst also enlarging the central atrium and the northern block is regular shape and sits directly behind this.