EDUCATION - The University of Leeds

Over the last two decades Simon has been involved in various projects for the University of Leeds. These include the concept design for both the New Business School on the former Leeds Grammar School site and the new School of Healthcare in the Baines Wing. Simon also completed a Strategic development plan for the Universities main campus.

The winning concept scheme for the Business School was developed in response to an invited competition with very limited timescale and responded to resolving a seemingly impossible briefing requirement to fit accommodation of greater floor area than the existing building. The solution removed two existing floors,and replaced with three new floors thus satisfying the brief. The new floors were set back from the existing external wall line to avoid unnecessary junctions with the existing facade, whilst gaining natural light to the whole.

The comprehensive strategic plan for the Universities City Centre Campus provided a future development plan covering short, medium and long term aspirations. By studying the sites history, character areas, open space and linkages a comprehensive plan was produced illustrating a range of opportunities including both new sites, redevelopment of existing facilities and improvement to the campus's public realm, pedestrian linkages, gateways and general legibility.

The document whilst giving the University a blueprint for the future also provides an essential document to support both present and future individual planning applications.