The University of Dundee – New Teaching Block

The new teaching block for the University of Dundee provides a total of 7000 square metres of high quality teaching space available for specific and general University use, and includes 4 auditoria ranging from 120 to 360 seats. The building forms the northern gateway to the University campus, and its three separate but linked building elements combine to create strong civic forms and define new public spaces.

A gently radiused block faces east, providing a hard edge to the University campus, and presenting a continuous sweeping curve to the city, while leading to the main entrance area at the corner of east and south elevations.

On the south elevation the general teaching building is rectilinear, with a dramatic oversail to its east end creating a partly covered main entrance area.
A stainless steel mesh screen sits in front of the floor to ceiling glazing on the upper levels, and this serves a practical function by eliminating glare and reducing solar gain from the teaching spaces while simultaneously maintaining natural light and ventilation.

The third block is a drum containing three of the four lecture theatres provided within the building, and it is entered from the dramatic three storey entrance atrium.
The new building is a contemporary design of the highest quality with a restrained palette of quality materials comprising polished masonry, smooth acrylic render, glass and steel and stainless steel woven mesh. It is a gateway development designed and constructed to the match the highest aspirations of both the University and the City.

The building was awarded 'Best Commercial/Public Building for 2007' by Dundee Institute of Architects