Creative Centre, York St John University, York

Building of the Year, sponsored by EH Smith
Client of the Year

Creative Centre, York St John University, York
Tate+Co for York St John University
Contract value: Confidential
GIA: 3,014m²

The Creative Centre is a central pillar of York St John University’s ambitious growth plans. It brings together a diverse student population and combines creative arts learning, research, and practice in one building for the first time. An ingenious and responsible response to an otherwise unglamorous site, it helps to create a sense of enclosure for an emerging campus masterplan.

The building really comes to life as you step inside and are immersed in a three-storey animated and active atrium. This is the building’s social hub, bringing its student and community population together for informal performances and events. The proportion and scale of the space provide a feeling of intimacy. The timber structure and natural timber finishes inside provide warmth and the opportunity for the building to age gracefully. The glazed atrium elevation frames views of York Minster. 

The building feels of its place, distinct, and a bespoke response to the client’s competition brief. There is a clear and legible building diagram; the atrium connects the two expressed performance spaces; and the rear wing contains teaching and technical studio spaces. The two performance volumes have black timber cladding which runs from outside to inside. The playful detailing of the material finishes makes the building feel relaxed and joyful.

The jury were impressed by the scheme’s evident commitment to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. In terms of whole-life carbon, the building is 21 per cent lower than the business-as-usual model. The Creative Centre is an elegant example of sustainable architecture demonstrating its low embodied and operational carbon footprint, with commendable environmental performance and renewable energy technologies as well as significant contribution to biodiversity and student communities.

The building uses low embodied carbon materials, such as glued laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), while Passivhaus principles have been implemented to achieve BREEAM Excellent. Eco-credentials were achieved by using triple-glazing, making the building airtight, providing simple operation systems such as openable windows, and a clever mixed-mode ventilation system.

There is an evident hierarchical control of the budget. Teaching spaces and studios are practical and functional, while social/shared common spaces benefit from greater material attention with natural materials providing a robust and integral finish. Accessibility and inclusivity have been considered admirably. Mobility-impaired visitors are provided with full and equal access, including direct access to the stage and also the gantry technical levels above the auditorium. This is a delightful, welcoming, friendly, and fun building.

See the rest of the RIBA Yorkshire winners here. And all the RIBA Regional Awards here.

If you want to understand the whole RIBA Awards process visit architecture.com

RIBA Regional Awards 2023 sponsored by Gaggenau, EH Smith and Autodesk