Architect: Ian Taylor with Bennetts Associates
Client: Simon Britton Director of Estates
Contractor: John Laing Construction
Contract value: £1,152,000

The Centre is open to all with disabilities, providing courses which range from arts access courses to higher degrees, as well as performance spaces. The architects were chosen through a competition organised by the RIBA and sponsored by the Independent. The building was an early recipient of lottery funding. The structure employs a variety of construction techniques to respond to the character of the three parts of the building - a top-lit walled structure for the rear block is separated from the front concrete and steel framed block by an all glass structural roof light. The internal spaces are designed to aid orientation and comfort for users with a variety of abilities by manipulations in natural light, volumes, acoustics and consistent changes within a limited range of materials. This is a building designed to appeal to the senses of sight, sound, touch and - with an aromatic cedar clad main hall, smell.

'This is not a big statement building. Its attraction is more subtle and lies in the high levels of ingenuity, care and insight which have clearly run through the whole design process. It is a thoughtful and considered response to a specific set of needs and a difficult context. It is a testament to the unfashionable view that good architecture need not be sensational architecture.' Jury

'People who spend time in the building, and the success of the varied and challenging creative activities which the building facilitates.' Architect