The Curve at Teesside University Scoops Prestigious ‘Project of the Year’

The Curve, Teesside University’s iconic new £20m flagship learning and teaching building designed by Austin-Smith:Lord has taken top honours – ‘Project of the Year’ – at the RICS 2016 Awards, North East.

The Curve also won two out of the remaining eight categories – ‘Design through Innovation’ and ‘Regeneration’.

It overcame stiff competition from over 60 of the North East’s most impressive developments to take the top award which is presented to the scheme which demonstrates overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to the local area.

Judges praised The Curve for being visually striking and offering vibrant and flexible learning space over four floors, along with a 145-seat theatre, auditorium and roof terrace as well as delivering the highest level of sustainability.

The Curve forms part of Austin-Smith:Lord’s design for the Campus Heart, which includes an extensive public realm, innovative lighting, a living wall with giant LED screen and landscaping across the newly pedestrianised campus.

Austin-Smith:Lord Partner Neil Chapman says: “We are thrilled that The Curve has been recognised with such a hotly contested and highly regarded award, Project of the Year, as well as in two subject categories which were so important in the design of this cutting edge education space and revisioning of the campus.

“The brief from Teesside University was bold. They wanted a striking building in a compelling setting, which would be both an exemplary environment for students and staff and an iconic building, to convey the University’s values and ambitions and attract students over decades to come. Austin-Smith:Lord is proud to have been involved in delivering such an outstanding project.”

Chief Operating Officer at Teesside University Malcolm Page added: “Campus Heart was the biggest programme of investment the University has undertaken and The Curve is the jewel in its crown and it’s fantastic it has been recognised as the best project in the North East.

“To continue to grow as a university and to provide a first class student experience, we have to keep investing. To receive recognition of this nature is fantastic and reinforces that the ambitious decisions we are taking are the correct ones for our students and everybody involved with Teesside University.”

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