New Art Building

The University of Lincoln is ever expanding and evolving into a campus that would be the envy of any. From its beginnings less than 20 years ago on the south of Brayford Wharf, the campus has grown into a showcase of contemporary architecture that brings new life into the lower city. In 2011, the Engineering Hub was opened as the newest addition and opposite that, the land is being cleared for the University's newest project. It was announced this month that an Art and Design building is to be built adjacent to the Architecture building. As with its neighbour it appears to be in a Modernist inspired style that claims to incorporate a mix of nature and brutalism.

The idea is to bring the Art department into the heart of the campus alongside Architecture; where as before the department was scattered in ad-hoc buildings east of High Street (some 15 minutes walk away). The building promises large studios, galleries and Mac suites to cater its Fine Art, Graphics, Illustration, Design and other art-based students. 

“The new art and design building will have a high spec finish, but be industrial in feel, with exposed bricks and timber boarding that can be used to exhibit student work. It will be light and airy creating a welcoming space for students, staff and visitors." 

Ieuan Owen, Deputy Vice Chancellor, UoL.

The University claim that construction will begin in the summer months and be completed by around the same time in 2013. I think its amazing to watch an institution you're a part of prosper with infrastructure, just as I watched Kegs build its new art department last year. In many ways its why I chose to study at Lincoln because its obvious that the University is on its way to bigger things and to me there's an air of anticipation and optimism here, whist I think its much harder to feel inspired when trapped in the spent office blocks that De Montfort seemed to offer its students.